How do you do a bowel clean-out with MiraLAX?

Key takeaways

• MiraLAX clean-outs are weight‑based and require close adherence to instructions: Dosages vary by a child’s weight, and the clean‑out should only be done when directed by a pediatric gastroenterology specialist.
• Fluids and simple foods are essential for safety and success: Children must drink plenty of liquids and stick to gentle, easy‑to‑digest foods to support the clean‑out and prevent dehydration.
• Expect frequent bathroom trips and continue daily maintenance afterward: Clean‑outs can take up to three days, and ongoing MiraLAX maintenance, with age‑based dosing, helps achieve soft, easy‑to‑pass daily stools.

MiraLAX bowel clean-out: Instructions for children

Some medical conditions, such as severe constipation, may require a bowel clean-out to fully empty a child’s intestines. A MiraLAX bowel clean-out is commonly recommended by pediatric gastroenterology specialists to relieve stool buildup and reset normal bowel function.

At Rady Children’s, our health care team has developed a bowel clean-out program tailored to a child’s needs. These instructions are intended only for Rady Children’s gastroenterology patients who have been specifically directed by a specialist to begin a bowel clean-out regimen.

Your child weighs about:

Fluids are essential during a MiraLAX bowel clean-out

In addition to taking MiraLAX, your child must drink plenty of fluids to ensure the clean-out is effective and safe.

• Drink 1 cup (8 ounces) of liquid at least 8 times per day
• Continue this fluid intake for both days of the bowel clean-out
• Clear liquids are encouraged, as they can help reduce hunger and prevent dehydration

Adequate hydration is a key part of a successful MiraLAX bowel clean-out for children.

Recommended foods during the clean-out

For the two days of the clean-out, your child may eat foods that are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest.

Good food choices include:

• Applesauce
• Yogurt
• Oatmeal
• Mashed potatoes
• Soup broth
• Toast with butter

Avoid heavy, greasy, or high-fiber foods during this time unless otherwise instructed by your care team.

What to expect during the bowel clean-out

During a MiraLAX bowel clean-out, bowel movements will be frequent and unpredictable. For this reason, families should plan to remain at home for up to three days.

• Frequent bathroom use is normal
• The clean-out may take up to three days to fully clear the bowel
• Accidents can happen, especially in younger children

Preparing in advance can help reduce stress during this process.

MiraLAX maintenance after the clean-out

Once the bowel clean-out is complete, your child should begin daily MiraLAX maintenance therapy.

• Give one dose of MiraLAX once per day
• MiraLAX may be mixed with water or juice
• Juice does not need to be clear
• The dose is based on your child’s age, (not weight):

Monitoring progress and dose adjustments

A pediatric gastroenterology specialist may adjust your child’s MiraLAX dose depending on how well the program is working.

The goal is for your child to have:

• Soft, formed stools
• Easy-to-pass bowel movements each day
• Type 4 stool on the Bristol Stool Chart

When these goals are met, it indicates the MiraLAX bowel clean-out and maintenance program is effective.

Disclaimer: These instructions are general guidelines and should be used for informational purposes only, not medical advice. They are intended for CHOC’s patients. Specific instructions for your child may differ. Please follow instructions provided by your child’s physician and CHOC Gastroenterology staff.

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