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Compare Magnesium citrate vs. Miralax

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

  • Magnesium citrate
    Polyethylene glycol (Miralax)
  • Magnesium citrate
    Polyethylene glycol (Miralax)

  • Summary of Magnesium citrate vs. Miralax

    Summary for Saline laxative

    Magnesium citrate is a oral laxative solution that can ease the occasional constipation. It's available over the counter (OTC) and can help produce a bowel movement in 30 minutes to 6 hours. Magnesium citrate might not be a safe option if you have kidney problems or electrolyte levels that are out of balance.

    Summary for Osmotic laxative

    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 of Magnesium citrate vs. Miralax

    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation
    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation and irregular bowel movements

  • Pros and Cons of Magnesium citrate vs. Miralax

    Pros and Const for Saline laxative
    Pros
    •Works fast, produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 6 hours
    •Available OTC without a prescription
    •Comes in different flavors
    •Many generic products available
    Cons
    •Only for use with occasional constipation
    •Might not be a good option for people with kidney problems or those who need to limit magnesium or sodium intake
    •Can cause nausea and vomiting
    •Needs to be separated from other medications
    Pros and Const for Osmotic laxative
    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 of Magnesium citrate vs. Miralax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Passing gas
    •Bloating

  • Warnings of Magnesium citrate vs. Miralax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Complete or partial blockage of intestines
    •Kidney and other health conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Complete or partial blockage of intestines

  • Prices with our coupons for Magnesium citrate vs. Miralax

    Learn more about Magnesium citrate
    Learn more about Polyethylene glycol

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