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    MiraLax (Polyethylene Glycol)

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    This document provides information about the laxative MiraLax (polyethylene glycol), including its classification, dosage, mechanism of action, nursing implications, interactions, and the nursing process for its administration. MiraLax works by drawing water into the GI tract to promote evacuation without electrolyte imbalance. Nurses should educate patients that it may take 2-4 days to work and not to use for more than 2 weeks, as prolonged use can cause laxative dependence and electrolyte imbalance. The drug interacts with corticosteroids and diuretics by potentially exacerbating electrolyte loss.

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    MiraLax (Polyethylene Glycol)

    Uploaded by

    E
    24K views1 page
    This document provides information about the laxative MiraLax (polyethylene glycol), including its classification, dosage, mechanism of action, nursing implications, interactions, and the nursing process for its administration. MiraLax works by drawing water into the GI tract to promote evacuation without electrolyte imbalance. Nurses should educate patients that it may take 2-4 days to work and not to use for more than 2 weeks, as prolonged use can cause laxative dependence and electrolyte imbalance. The drug interacts with corticosteroids and diuretics by potentially exacerbating electrolyte loss.

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    MiraLax (polyethylene glycol)

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    This document provides information about the laxative MiraLax (polyethylene glycol), including its classification, dosage, mechanism of action, nursing implications, interactions, and the nursing process for its administration. MiraLax works by drawing water into the GI tract to promote evacuation without electrolyte imbalance. Nurses should educate patients that it may take 2-4 days to work and not to use for more than 2 weeks, as prolonged use can cause laxative dependence and electrolyte imbalance. The drug interacts with corticosteroids and diuretics by potentially exacerbating electrolyte loss.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as doc, pdf, or txt
    24K views1 page

    MiraLax (Polyethylene Glycol)

    Uploaded by

    E
    This document provides information about the laxative MiraLax (polyethylene glycol), including its classification, dosage, mechanism of action, nursing implications, interactions, and the nursing process for its administration. MiraLax works by drawing water into the GI tract to promote evacuation without electrolyte imbalance. Nurses should educate patients that it may take 2-4 days to work and not to use for more than 2 weeks, as prolonged use can cause laxative dependence and electrolyte imbalance. The drug interacts with corticosteroids and diuretics by potentially exacerbating electrolyte loss.

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    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as doc, pdf, or txt
    of 1

    Clinical Medications Worksheets

    Generic Name TradeName Classification Dose Route Time/frequenc


    polyethylene MiraLax Laxatives, osmotics 1 packet PO y
    glycol qd
    Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
    2-4 days Unknown Unknown 17g. (One heaping teaspoon) in 8 oz. of water may be
    used for up to two weeks
    Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or
    Constipation solutions
    N/A
    Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
    Acts as an osmotic agent, drawing water into the Contraindications/warnings/interactions
    lumen of the GI tract. Indicated for evacuation of the GI obstruction, gastric retention, toxic colitis,
    GI tract without water or electrolyte imbalance. Megacolon. Use cautiously in abdominal pain of
    uncertain cause, particularly if accompanied by fever.
    Common side effects
    Abdominal bloating, cramping, flatulence, nausea
    Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or Lab value alterations caused by medicine
    herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) None known for this drug
    Fludrocortisone, Hydrocortisone: The overuse or
    Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
    abuse of laxatives can cause significant loss of
    medication
    electrolytes and potentiate the risk of hypokalemia
    Inform patient that 2-4 days may be required to produce a
    associated with corticosteroid therapy.
    bowel movement. Should not be used for more than 2
    Corticosteroids promote the retention of sodium and
    wk. Prolonged, frequent, or excessive use may result in
    water and the excretion of potassium. Although these
    electrolyte imbalance and laxative dependence. Advise
    effects are primarily associated with
    patient to notify health care professional if unusual
    mineralocorticoids like fludrocortisone, they may
    cramps, bloating, or diarrhea occurs
    also occur with higher dosages of glucocorticoids or
    adrenocorticotropic agents, particularly if given
    systemically for longer than brief periods.
    Demadex: The chronic use or abuse of laxatives may
    potentiate the pharmacologic effects of diuretics.
    Laxatives can cause significant losses of fluid and
    electrolytes, including sodium, potassium,
    magnesium and zinc, and these effects may be
    additive to those of diuretics.
    Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
    (Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this med? Check after giving
    Assess patient for abdominal distention, Diarrhea, obstruction. A soft, formed bowel
    presence of bowel sounds, and usual movement.
    pattern of bowel function.

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