Best Time to Take MiraLax (for Constipation & for Colonoscopy Preparation).

Summary: What you need to know.

You can take MiraLAX at any time of the day. It can be taken with or without food. However, taking MiraLAX in the morning, before eating, and at least one hour away from other medications is better. 

Taking MiraLAX in the morning will produce a bowel movement during the day. Taking MiraLAX at night may interrupt your sleep (to have a bowel movement).

Taking MiraLAX after eating may aggravate nausea and vomiting if you have gastric upset. You can take MiraLAX independently of food. 

For colon preparation, You can take a split dose in the evening before the colonoscopy and at 2 AM the day of the colonoscopy (5 hours before the procedure).

The best time to take MiraLAX powder (for constipation):

The most common use of MiraLAX is for occasional constipation. You can take MiraLAX at any time of the day whenever you feel constipated. But generally, it is better to take laxatives such as MiraLax in the morning. 

Taking MiraLax at night is allowed. But it may disturb your sleep to have a bowel movement. 

You can dissolve MiraLax Powder (17 grams) in a fluid or water. Then drink it only once a day. It is the standard dose of MiraLax for occasional constipation. 

Don’t use MiraLax more than once daily unless your doctor provides you with different instructions. 

Miralax can be taken with food (before or after meals) or without it. Our recommendation is to take it before a meal. It will help to produce a bowel movement after meals.

Related: How much MiraLAX can you take for severe constipation?

Related: Can you take MiraLAX 3 times a day?

What is the best time to take MiraLAX colon preparation?

Split-dose (2 doses):

The best time to take MiraLAX for colon preparation

During the colon preparation is (reference):

• Take the first dose the evening before the morning colonoscopy (around 5 PM).
• Take the second dose on the morning (5 hours before the procedure) of the colonoscopy day (around 2 AM).

The split dose is generally better. It produces fewer side effects than single-dose preparations.

Single-dose preparation:

The single-dose preparation (2000 mL) is taken the evening before the morning colonoscopy. 

The single dose is more convenient. However, it carries a higher risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and electrolyte disturbances.

If the colonoscopy is planned in the afternoon, you can take the single-dose preparation in the morning.

You can take it 5-8 hours after the colonoscopy. 

More: What are the side effects of MiraLAX on older people?

MiraLax before or after eating, which is better?

You can take MiraLAX directly before or after eating. Also, you can take your daily dose at any time, regardless of the mealtime. 

The following tips may help to determine the best time for you:

• MirLAX is more likely to cause gastric upset if taken on a full stomach. 
• Taking MiraLAX just Before meals helps bowel movements after meals. Meals help stimulate colon motility. This will promote the effects of MiraLAX.
• Taking MiraLAX Before going to the workplace (with breakfast) may cause bowel issues at work.
• If you don’t suffer from gastric upset, it is better to use MiraLAX before meals. 

MiraLax in the morning or at night, which is better?

You can take MiraLAX at any time of the day. The morning is better because it helps you to have a bowel movement during the day (waking period).

But if you spend your day at your workplace, you can delay MiraLAX after returning home. You don’t need to do this if you are comfortable using the public toilets at your workplace. 

Taking MiraLAX at night is not contraindicated. However, this may awaken you to poop at night, interrupting your sleep. 

The best time to take MiraLax while taking other Medications:

MiraLAX may interfere with the absorption of other medications. Don’t take MiraLAX with or soon before or after your chronic medications (as anti-diabetes or anti-hypertension drugs).

Take MiraLAX at least one hour after your medication (reference). This will allow enough time for your medications to be absorbed without interference with MiraLAX. 

Also, Plan not to take your medications for the next couple of hours after taking MiraLAX for the same reason.