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Compare Miralax vs. Linzess

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

Key takeaways

Polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLAX) and linaclotide (Linzess) are both medications used to treat constipation, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct uses. MiraLAX is an osmotic laxative available over-the-counter, primarily used for occasional constipation by drawing water into the colon to soften stools. In contrast, Linzess is a prescription-only guanylate cyclase-C agonist, approved for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults, as well as functional constipation in children aged 6 to 17. MiraLAX is taken as a powder mixed with a beverage once daily, while Linzess is a capsule taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before a meal. MiraLAX is available in generic form, whereas Linzess is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of MiraLAX include nausea, bloating, and gas, while Linzess can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, and gas. Linzess requires caution due to the risk of severe diarrhea and dehydration, especially in children under 2 years old, whereas MiraLAX is generally considered safe for short-term use with fewer severe side effects.

  • Polyethylene glycol (Miralax)
    Linzess (linaclotide)
  • Polyethylene glycol (Miralax)
    Linzess (linaclotide)

  • Summary of Miralax vs. Linzess

    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.

    Summary for GC-C agonist
    Prescription only

    Linzess (linaclotide) is approved for people 7 years and older with constipation from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). It's also for adults with long-lasting or chronic constipation from unknown reasons. Children 6 years and older with functional constipation can take this medication as well. Linzess (linaclotide) belongs to a drug class called guanylate cyclase-C agonists. It's a capsule that's taken by mouth once a day. But diarrhea is a common side effect. This medication is currently brand name only; there's no generic version yet.

  • Indications of Miralax vs. Linzess

    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation and irregular bowel movements
    Indications for
    •Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in people 7 years and older
    •Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in adults
    •Functional constipation (FC) in children 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Miralax vs. Linzess

    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
    Pros and Const for GC-C agonist
    Pros
    •Only need to take once a day
    •Can start to see improvement as early as a week of taking it every day
    Cons
    •Must take on an empty stomach (30 minutes before a meal)
    •Can cause diarrhea

  • Common Side Effects of Miralax vs. Linzess

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Passing gas
    •Bloating
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Diarrhea
    •Stomach pain
    •Having gas
    •Bloating and feeling full in the belly

    Children:

    •Diarrhea

  • Warnings of Miralax vs. Linzess

    Common Side Effects for
    •Complete or partial blockage of intestines
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for children under 2 years old because of risk of serious dehydration
    •Severe diarrhea

  • Prices with our coupons for Miralax vs. Linzess

    Learn more about Polyethylene glycol
    Learn more about Linzess

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