An article in the New York Times last year highlighted the widespread use of polyethylene glycol 3350 (sold as brand name MIRALAX), an over-the-counter laxative, in children to help constipation, although it was never approved for pediatric use.
The drug, first approved by the FDA in 1999, has become a staple in American homes to assist bothersome and often distressing bouts of childhood constipation. The concern, however, is that PEG-3350 has not yet been studied in children for periods longer than a year and concerns have been surfacing that question the drug’s long-term safety.
Pediatricians are mainly concerned because the symptom, and not the underlying cause, is treated when prescribing Miralax in young children.
Merck said, in a statement, that it recommends the use of Miralax in patients 17 and older and for only a week. They further said, “It regularly analyzes and reports all adverse event information as part of an ongoing post-marketing surveillance.” When asked if the company is intending to conduct studies to get FDA approval for pediatric use, the company declined to say.
Common Side Effects of Laxatives
If used correctly, most laxatives don’t have side effects. However, they can cause diarrhea, cramping, bloating and gas.
Some people, children included, are at risk for electrolyte imbalances when taking certain laxatives. Electrolytes help your nerves, organs and muscles to properly work. Taking laxatives can cause the elimination of too many electrolytes which can lead to other health concerns including headaches, vomiting, spasms and more. An electrolyte imbalance can be serious so it is imperative to speak to your pediatrician before use.
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3 Comments
rose
They are very dangerous! My daughter had very scary neurological changes. Why on earth are they even suggested?
Concerned Nurse
This drug is POISON with DEATHS and over 5,000 reports of adverse reactions submitted to the FDA.
Anne
MIRALAX SIDE EFFECTS Call 1-800-FDA-1088
reported to the FDA by parents of children who were given Miralax
(limited list-more side effects reported since compiled)
Anxiety
Phobias
Extreme nervousness
Obsessive-Compulsive behavior
Scratching, biting (self and others)
Nightmares
Hysteria
Memory loss
Sleeplessness
Irritability
Mood swings
Bipolar disorder
Withdrawal
Communication loss
Loss of concentration
Vertigo while lying down
Anger
Tantrums
Metabolic acidosis
Clawing sister's eyes
Sensitivity to sound
Motor skills affected
Fearfulness
Confusion
Inability to focus
Mumbled speech
Gait disturbances
Obsessive finger licking
Feelings of something dripping down face
Compulsive bad thoughts
'Meltdowns' over homework
'Meltdowns' over trivial things
'Panic' behavior
'Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde behaviors
'Wave pool feeling' when trying to go sleep
Tics
Tremors
Seizures:
life threatening with 3 fatal cases documented and more suspected
Violent behavior
Suicidal thoughts (age 6)
Paranoia/bizarre hiding
Anti-social behavior
Slurred speech, whispering
Staring
Skin disorders
Keratosis pilaris - chicken skin, what appears to be Miralax particles trying to exit the body through the skin, primarily on the arms and legs
Homicidal ideation
Homicide
This is a short list, there are many others have symptoms that have been reported.
Call 1-800-FDA-1088
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