MiraLAX is sold as a powder, not tablets

MiraLAX does not come in tablet form. The brand name product is a white powder you mix with water or another beverage. Each dose is typically 17 grams of polyethylene glycol 3350, the active ingredient that draws water into your stool to soften it. You measure out the powder, stir it into 4 to 8 ounces of liquid, and drink it once daily.

The powder dissolves in most drinks—water, juice, coffee, tea, or sports drinks all work. It has no taste or color, so it blends in without changing how your drink tastes. A single container holds enough powder for 14 to 30 doses, depending on the size you buy.

If you need a tablet form of the same active ingredient, you have two real options: buy the generic polyethylene glycol 3350 powder (which works identically to MiraLAX and costs less), or look for polyethylene glycol tablets made by other manufacturers. Some people prefer tablets because they are pre-measured and require no mixing.

Key Takeaways

  • MiraLAX is only sold as a powder that you mix with liquid; the brand does not make tablets.
  • Generic polyethylene glycol 3350 powder is chemically identical to MiraLAX and usually costs significantly less.
  • Polyethylene glycol tablets do exist from other brands, though they are less common in stores than the powder form.
  • The powder form takes about 2 to 3 days to produce results, and you should drink extra water while using it.

Why MiraLAX is only available as a powder

Polyethylene glycol 3350 is a large molecule that does not compress well into a tablet. The dose you need—17 grams per day—would require a tablet so large it would be difficult to swallow. Powder is the most practical way to deliver this amount of active ingredient in a single daily dose.

The powder also dissolves completely in liquid, which helps it move through your digestive system evenly. A tablet would need to dissolve in your stomach and intestines, which can be slower and less predictable. The powder method has been the standard for this medication since it was first sold over the counter.

Generic polyethylene glycol powder as a lower-cost alternative

Every major pharmacy chain and most grocery stores sell generic polyethylene glycol 3350 powder under their own brand names. Walmart sells it as "Equate," CVS as "CVS Health," Walgreens as "Walgreens Brand," and so on. The active ingredient and dose are identical to MiraLAX—17 grams per serving—but the price is usually 30 to 50 percent lower.

The generic powder works the same way: you mix it with 4 to 8 ounces of liquid and drink it once daily. Results typically appear within 2 to 3 days. There is no difference in how well it works or how long it takes to work. The only differences are the brand name on the label and the price you pay.

If you have a prescription for polyethylene glycol, your insurance may cover the generic version. Check your pharmacy's price for both the brand name and generic before you buy, because prices vary by location and by store.

Polyethylene glycol tablets from other brands

Some manufacturers do make polyethylene glycol in tablet form, though they are harder to find in most stores. These tablets contain the same active ingredient as MiraLAX powder but in a pre-measured, swallowable form. Because the dose is large, tablets are usually sold as a multi-tablet dose—you may need to take 2 or 3 tablets to get the full 17-gram dose.

Tablet versions tend to cost more than powder and are less widely stocked. You may need to order them online or ask your pharmacy to special-order them. If you strongly prefer tablets over powder, ask your pharmacist what brands they can source for you.

How to use polyethylene glycol powder correctly

Mix one dose (17 grams, usually one capful or one packet) with 4 to 8 ounces of cold water or another beverage. Stir well until the powder dissolves completely. Drink the mixture once per day, preferably at the same time each day. You can drink it with or without food.

Results usually appear within 2 to 3 days. Do not increase the dose or take it more than once daily unless a doctor tells you to. Drink extra water throughout the day while using this product—polyethylene glycol works by drawing water into your stool, so you need adequate fluid intake for it to work well.

If you do not see results after 7 days of daily use, stop taking it and talk to a doctor. Do not use polyethylene glycol for more than 7 days in a row without medical guidance.

When to talk to a doctor before using polyethylene glycol

Do not use polyethylene glycol if you have severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or signs of a bowel obstruction. If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications, ask a doctor or pharmacist whether polyethylene glycol is safe for you. Some medications interact with it, and some medical conditions make it unsuitable.

If you have kidney disease, heart disease, or diabetes, mention those conditions to your doctor before using polyethylene glycol. If you experience severe cramping, persistent diarrhea, or any unusual symptoms while using it, stop and contact a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take polyethylene glycol every day long-term?

Polyethylene glycol is safe for regular use, but long-term daily use should be discussed with a doctor. If you need it for more than a few weeks, your doctor may want to investigate the underlying cause of your constipation rather than treating the symptom indefinitely.

Does generic polyethylene glycol work as well as MiraLAX?

Yes. Generic polyethylene glycol 3350 contains the same active ingredient in the same dose as MiraLAX. The FDA requires generic versions to be chemically and therapeutically equivalent to the brand name product. The only difference is the label and the price.

What if the powder will not dissolve in my drink?

Stir it longer or use warm liquid instead of cold. Polyethylene glycol dissolves better in warm water or warm juice. You can also try a different beverage—some people find it dissolves faster in sports drinks or juice than in plain water. If it still will not dissolve after a few minutes of stirring, the powder may be old or damaged.

Is there a liquid form of polyethylene glycol?

Yes. Some brands sell polyethylene glycol as a ready-to-drink liquid in a bottle. These are pre-mixed and require no stirring, but they cost more than powder. They work the same way and produce results on the same timeline as the powder form.

Can I mix polyethylene glycol powder with hot beverages?

Yes, you can mix it with hot water, hot tea, or hot coffee. Some people find warm liquid easier to drink and faster to prepare. The heat does not affect how the medication works.