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Golytely vs. Miralax

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

PEG 3350 with electrolytes (Golytely, Nulytely, and Moviprep) and polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLAX) are both osmotic laxatives used to treat bowel issues. They work by drawing water into the colon to help with bowel movements but there are some differences. PEG 3350 with electrolytes is mainly used for bowel cleansing before procedures like colonoscopies, while MiraLAX is used for occasional constipation. PEG 3350 with electrolytes is a prescription medication, whereas MiraLAX is available over-the-counter. The dosing for PEG 3350 with electrolytes involves drinking large volumes of liquid, often up to 4 liters, while MiraLAX is taken once daily in smaller amounts mixed with a beverage. PEG 3350 with electrolytes can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and electrolyte imbalances, while MiraLAX may cause nausea, gas, and bloating. Additionally, PEG 3350 with electrolytes has more serious risks, such as kidney problems and seizures, especially if you have certain health conditions.

PEG 3350/electrolytes bowel prep

 

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Polyethylene glycol

(Miralax)

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Summary for Golytely

Prescription only

PEG 3350/electrolytes bowel prep is mixed into a solution and taken by mouth to clean the bowels for procedures called colonoscopy and barium enema x-ray examination. This medication works well, but requires you to drink a lot of liquid. There are many brands of PEG 3350/electrolytes bowel preps and they can differ from one another in things such as the amount of solution you need to drink, the type of electrolytes or ingredients they contain, and when you need to start the bowel prep. Most bowel preps can only be used in adults, but some can be used in children as young as 6 months of age.

Indications for Golytely

Pros and Cons for Golytely

Pros

  • Comes in many brands that differ in factors, such as how much solution you need to drink or the type of electrolytes in the solution, which gives you options to choose a bowel prep that fits your needs
  • Some bowel prep solutions have flavor packets to improve taste
  • Nulytely, Gavilyte N, and certain generics can be taken by children as young as 6 months old
  • Many of the bowel preps can also be taken through a nasogastric tube (NG tube) for people who can't swallow

Cons

  • Requires you to drink a lot of liquid, so can be time-consuming
  • Can cause your electrolytes to be out of balance, which might raise your risk of side effects, such as kidney damage or seizures
  • Can cause nausea; some people have a hard time finishing
  • Can cause dehydration (loss of body fluids) if you don't drink enough liquids during the treatment

Common Side Effects for Golytely

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Feeling very full in your stomach
  • Bloating
  • Stomach cramps
  • Anal irritation
  • Shivering (Moviprep)
  • Trouble sleeping (Moviprep)
  • More hungry and thirsty (Moviprep)
  • Tiredness (Moviprep)

Warnings for Golytely

  • Low body fluids and electrolyte problems
  • Heart beat problems
  • Seizures
  • Kidney damage
  • Damage to your colon
  • Choking or difficulty breathing
  • Use with caution in low glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and phenylketonuria (PKU) - Moviprep and Plenvu only

Summary for Miralax

Over-the-counter

Polyethylene glycol (Miralax) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used for occasional constipation. It comes as a powder that you need to mix with a beverage and then drink. Typically, you take a dose of polyethylene glycol (Miralax) once a day, for up to a week. Most people will experience a bowl movement in 1 to 3 days. Some side effects that polyethylene glycol (Miralax) can cause include nausea, bloating, and passing gas.

Indications for Miralax

Pros and Cons for Miralax

Pros

  • Available OTC, so you don't need a prescription from your provider
  • Causes less cramping, bloating, gas, or feelings of "having to go right now" compared to other laxatives
  • A possible option during pregnancy, if provider says it's safe for you to take

Cons

  • Can take a few days before you have a bowel movement
  • Only for short-term relief of constipation
  • Might cause loose, watery stools

Common Side Effects for Miralax

Warnings for Miralax

  • Complete or partial blockage of intestines

Prices with our coupons for Golytely vs. Miralax

Price Card Drug Icon
Peg 3350 And Electrolytes1 bottle / 4 liter
$12.45$17.76
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Polyethylene Glycol 3350 Non-Prescription1 bottle / 30 doses of 17g/dose
$21.69$50.62
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