Concerned about Miralax and Tics? See These Resources (Premium)

Whenever use of a product is associated with increased tics or tremors, it catches my eye.  The laxative Miralax is one such item.

Pediatricians often support the use of Miralax in kids because constipation is a common pediatric problem. Developed for adults, it is often given to very young children and for years at a time. It’s safety for use by children has not been established. An outcry from parents about side effects in kids received attention from the media and the medical community, but its use continues.  Tics are only one of the possible adverse reactions .

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There have been numerous parental complaints of serious behavioral changes and tics in children while taking Miralax: anger, biting, confusion, depression, anxiety, paranoia, mood swings are among them. There are reports that symptoms slowly subside after discontinuation.

The active ingredient, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350, is at the center of the controversy.  The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP’s) Division of Gastroenterology is conducting an FDA-funded study to determine if components of PEG 3350 are absorbed into children’s blood.

A 2018 news article summarizes the issue with family concerns here. 

Facebook: Parents Against Miralax Closed membership

A physician weighs both sides in this Healio article

Parents’ frustration with an incomplete (ridiculous) study

A lawyer’s update: Here

If you have experience with behavioral, emotional, or tic-related side effects please write to us on our Contact page. 

See our helpful article 35 Tips for Dealing with Constipation.

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