Are there any side effect for MiraLAX in a cat

Miralax for Cats: Uses, Dosage, & Side Effects

Miralax is a human medication often used for the treatment of constipation in cats. It comes in a tasteless, powder form, which is easy to give to cats and is readily available over the counter.

In this article, learn how Miralax works, the dosage and how to administer this to your cat, along with some common side effects.

Miralax for Cats Overview

Medication Type:

Osmotic laxative

Medication Form:

Powder form

Common Names:

Polyethylene glycol 3350

Effects:

Softens stools and treats constipation

Available Dosages:

Powder available in different sized bottles

Potential Side Effects:

Diarrhea, flatulence, dehydration

Precautions:

Use with caution in cats with dehydration, kidney disease, or sensitive stomaches

Contraindications:

Avoid using in cats that are unwell

About Miralax for Cats

Before we start discussing the use of Miralax in cats, we should know a little bit about Miralax. What is it? Miralax is a common over-the-counter medication used for the short-term treatment of constipation in humans. It contains the active ingredient polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) and is classed as an osmotic laxative.

Through the process of osmosis, these laxatives draw water into the intestines and retain it there. As a result, the intestines swell with water and this softens the impacted, hard, dry feces stuck in the intestines. In this way, it acts as a stool softener.

Increased water in the intestines also helps to increase hydration and gut motility (prokinetic), which prevents further constipation. These methods of action will help to produce bowel movements in mild-moderate cases of constipation.

As with humans, Miralax is used for the same purpose in cats to treat constipation. Constipation is a common issue in cats, particular in older cats.

Common underlying causes of constipation in cats include diet change, kidney disease, fur ingestion, medications, or pain (e.g., arthritis or joint issues). Your vet will need to investigate the underlying cause of your cats constipation to remove the causing factor if possible and to treat it.

Miralax provides a gentle and easy way to treat your cat if theyre suffering from constipation. The tasteless powder is easy to administer and is readily available in stores. It might relieve constipation and avoid your cat needing more intrusive procedures, such as an enema. Always use Miralax under the advice and recommendation of your veterinarian.

Dose for Cats

Miralax is a human medication. Therefore, there is no official Miralax dosage. I recommend discussing the proper dosage with your veterinarian. They know your cats case and medical history the best and are in a better position to advise on the dosage for them. The dosage of Miralax might change based on your cats age and underlying health conditions, and the severity of their constipation.

However, a general guideline for the dose in cats is to administer one-quarter teaspoon once to twice daily per cat.

This is a rough guideline for the dosage of Miralax, but as Ive mentioned, I strongly recommend discussing this with your veterinarian first. Constipation can be a very serious condition and you need to get your vets advice first before attempting to treat this at home. This medication wont be suitable for every case of constipation.

How To Administer Miralax to Cats

Because Miralax is a tasteless powder, it can easily be mixed into wet cat food.

Luckily for cat owners, Miralax comes in a tasteless powdered form. This makes it easier to administer to cats compared to other medications. Ensure that your cat is well hydrated prior to taking Miralax. Provide plenty of water bowls and water fountains to encourage drinking. To give your cat Miralax, simply mix their dose (based on your vets recommendation) into some of their favorite wet food.

Pick a wet food that they really like and mix the powder well to disguise it. Click herefor some tips on the best food to hide medication in.

Also Read:Best Cat Food For Constipation

Side Effects of Miralax for Cats

Miralax is generally a very safe medication to give to your cat, under the recommendation and advice of your vet. Side effects of this drug are minimal, but there are a few to consider.

As Miralax is an osmotic laxative, it draws water into the intestines. This might cause dehydration in the body, particularly in cats that have underlying conditions, such as kidney disease, or cats that are unwell and already dehydrated.

For this reason, Miralax should only be used if your cat is suffering from mild constipation and if your vet has advised it. Cats that are suffering from severe constipation are/or are very unwell will likely need veterinary treatment, which might include intravenous fluid therapy, x-rays to check for gastrointestinal obstruction, an enema to relieve the obstipation, and medications (e.g., cisapride). Severe constipation might cause an irreversible enlargement of the colon, called megacolon, which needs urgent veterinary care.

Laxatives have the ability to cause diarrhea or flatulence, particularly if too much is given. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian as they might need to prescribe a special diet, fiber, or medication to treat this. Use Miralax with care in cats that tend to have sensitive tummies, and keep a close eye on their litter box if theyre using Miralax.

Overdose and Emergencies

Miralax is a safe, over-the-counter medication and issues with overdoses are rare. In most cases, giving too much Miralax to your cat might cause diarrhea and gas. However, overdoses are possible with any drug and if you have any concern that your cat has overdosed, call your emergency veterinarian right away. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661) for more information.

Potential Drug Interactions With Miralax

Miralax is a human drug and has been shown to be safe to use in the majority of cases, with potentially fewer side effects than other laxatives. According tohuman data, the drugs below are usually avoided with Miralax use in people unless advised otherwise by their doctor:

• Bisacodyl
• Licorice
• Senna
• Sodium picosulfate

In veterinary medicine, potential drug interactions with Miralax arent well known, but it is a relatively safe medication to use. Always discuss Miralax with your veterinarian before giving it to your cat. This is particularly important if your cat has any underlying health conditions or is on medication.

Your vet will assess your cats individual case and see if its appropriate to use this medication. They will check if it interacts with any other medication your cat might already be on (e.g., for diabetes or hyperthyroidism).

How To Store Miralax

Store Miralax in a child-proof container, away from extreme heat, moisture sunlight, or cold. Avoid freezing temperatures and keep it out of reach of children.

Dont use medication that is out of datediscard it.

Final Thoughts

Miralax can be used under the guidance of your veterinarian to relieve constipation in most cats.

Miralax is a human medication that can be used to treat mild to moderate cases of constipation in cats. Its relatively safe with few side effects and is easy to give to cats as it comes in a tasteless powder form.

Cats should pass feces in their litter box within eight to 12 hours after Miralax medication. Be cautious giving it to cats that might be dehydrated or suffering from kidney disease. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian before giving Miralax to your cat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Miralax safe for cats?

Yes, Miralax is a relatively safe and easy-to-administer medication for cats to treat constipation. Its readily available over the counter and comes in a tasteless powder form. Discuss the use of Miralax with your vet before using it for your cat.

What if I miss a dose of Miralax?

Miralax is a safe drug used to treat constipation. It can be given once or twice daily depending on your vets advice. If you miss a dose and your cat still has signs of constipation, call your vet for advice. They might advise you to give a dose of Miralax.

How long can cats take Miralax?

Miralax is used short-term for treatment of constipation. It might be used for anything from a few days duration to a few weeks.

How long does it take for Miralax to work in cats?

Miralax usually works within eight to 12 hours in cats. Feces should be produced within 24 hours.

Should cats take Miralax with food?

Yes, Miralax should be administered to your cat in wet food. Ensure that your cat has plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

Miralax for Cats: Our Vet Explains Dosages, Uses, Side Effects

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more

You may notice your cat in the litter box, straining to defecate and being unable to. You may also notice that your cat is only passing small, firm fecal balls, vomiting, or just otherwise not acting like themselves. Constipation can occur for many reasons in cats, with various treatments available. A simple over the counter (OTC) treatment you can try is giving your cat Miralax. This can be effective for both simple cases of constipation, or long-term management. In this article we will discuss more about Miralax, how much to give, and if there are any side effects you should be aware of. Remember that it is important to consult a vet before giving any medication to your cat.

What Is Miralax?

Miralax is the brand name of an osmotic laxative that contains PEG 3350, or Polyethylene Glycol. Other names include GaviLAX, GlycoLax and ClearLax. It is used to help relieve constipation, or difficulty defecating normally and regularly, often due to firm stools.

What is an osmotic laxative? This means that when swallowed, it travels through the digestive tract (in the intestines), binding to water molecules along the way. This will then cause more fluid to be absorbed into the intestinal tract, increasing the size of the intestines and their water content. As the Miralax and additional water gets to the colon, the hope is that the increased hydration of the intestine will cause the hardened stool to soften, therefore making it easier to pass.

Miralax is not a stimulant laxative. A stimulant laxative is a medication that will cause increased contraction(s) of the intestinal tract. It is never recommended to give a stimulant laxative to your cat unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian.

How Is Miralax Given?

Miralax comes in powder form. It is reported to be odorless and tasteless, though we cannot know for certain if cats and dogs may be able to smell and/or taste it. It does not need any special storage only to be kept in the container its purchased in. Miralax does not need to be kept in the fridge once opened and can remain on your counter or medicine cabinet.

Miralax is taken orally; in other words, its eaten. While it does not need to be taken with food to be effective, it is going to be easiest to administer to your cat with food. You can either sprinkle it right on top of their food or mix it in to try and disguise it from suspicious eyes. Of course, you can try to mix it into liquid and give it to your cat with a syringe, but this will likely not end up going very well.

For mild constipation, it should be given twice daily until the stools have normalized and your cat is defecating normally. If your cat is severely constipated, they may need more aggressive care in the hospital first, and stools maintained with Miralax given once or twice a day.

Dosing Miralax and What Happens If You Miss a Dose

Always double check dosages with your veterinarian. Its best to start between 1/8-1/4 teaspoon twice daily. Ask your veterinarian if they want you to give this medication to your cat either once or twice a day.

If you normally give it twice a day, then if you miss a dose, your veterinarian may have you double the dose and give it only once. However, it depends on the severity and cause of the constipation in your cat what your veterinarian may want you to do. Miralax is overall very safe. Missing a dose typically will not cause any adverse effects. If anything, missing a dose may cause your cats constipation to persist.

Sometimes cats are so severely constipated that they need to be sedated and have stool manually removed by your veterinarian. They are often then kept in the hospital to receive IV fluids and intensive care before going home on medical management. Miralax may be prescribed to your cat by your veterinarian for long term care. Therefore, dosing may be titrated up or down depending on how your cats do, and what is causing their constipation in the first place.

Potential Side Effects of Miralax

Overall, Miralax is safe for most cats. In some cases, however, it may not help your cat at all. If this is the case, your cat may start to vomit and/or continue to strain to defecate if you are only giving Miralax and not taking any other steps to help your cat.

Other cats may have increased flatulence or diarrhea if too much is given. If this occurs, you should back down on the dose to once daily and contact your veterinarian about further instructions.

If your cat is constipated from underlying dehydration, giving Miralax or any other osmotic laxative may worsen their dehydration. This is because of what we discussed above in that Miralax will draw more liquid into the intestinal tract. Make sure your cat is not only drinking appropriate amounts of water but is also not dehydrated. Your veterinarian can discuss this with you as some cats drinking excessively will still be chronically dehydrated. We see this commonly when cats have chronic kidney disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Will Miralax Take to Work?

In mild cases of constipation, you should notice results within about 12 hours. However, if your cat is severely constipated, it may take a few days. At minimum your cat should be passing small pieces of firm stool daily. If more than 2 or 3 days has gone by without any stool being passed, you should seek emergent veterinary care.

Why Is My Cat Constipated?

Constipation in cats can occur for a number of reasons. Sometimes its just from decreased water intake and/or their diet. Other times constipation can be from chronic kidney disease, hairballs, or previous injury. Your veterinarian will likely want to perform radiographs and bloodwork to try to determine what the cause of your cats constipation is, and discuss if this may be the beginning of a chronic issue.

Conclusion

Constipation can occur for a number of reasons in cats. In cases of mild constipation, your cat may be able to receive medical management at home, including Miralax. Miralax is an osmotic laxative that helps to soften stool by increasing the water content in the gut. It can be purchased OTC as a powder and sprinkled on top of or mixed into your cats food. It may be given once or twice daily, depending on your veterinarians recommendations. Dosing can be titrated up or down with few side effects seen. Management of constipation should always be done with your veterinarian, as prescription food and/or other medications may be needed for long-term control.

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