An interesting article was in the New York Times recently on the controversy of a popular drug for adults being used to treat chronic constipation in children. According to the article, doctors have pointed parents to Miralax for years to help children who suffer from chronic constipation. The problem is the label itself says the product is not recommended for kids under 17.
Ideally parents work with their kids to eat more fruits and vegetables while using a short-term fix like a safe natural laxative to keep them regular while healthy habits kick in. The article looked at both sides of the question about whether drugs like Miralax are the best solution when they weren’t designed or recommended for children.
At Southern Botanicals, we encourage the attitude of looking at the whole picture when trying to find the cause of a health concern like constipation. Once you find lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise that need adjusting to experience better health, it can take time to feel the full effects of those changes. Support from organic natural supplements can help to make the transition easier.
Southern Botanical makes a safe, all natural organic syrup laxative for kids that is a milder liquid version of Intestinal Cleanse 1. Intestinal Cleanse 3 is a fig-based syrup with specially selected herbs that encourage a gentle increase in activity in the colon while strengthening the intestinal tract.
Herbal remedies like Intestinal Cleanse 3 are created from whole plant parts like figs that are well-known for their safe natural laxative effect. Your body recognizes the fig as food and knows best how to separate out the different properties as you digest it. With drugs like Miralax, they are created with the singular focus of having a strong laxative effect but can also cause an imbalance in the body.
People have been eating foods like figs for countless generations and are familiar now with the common effects it has. Laxative drugs like Miralax haven’t been around long enough for all their effects, especially on children, to be known. If you eat a bowl of figs, no one has to tell you the effect that’s going to give!
Resources
Saint Louis, Catherine. “Drug for Adults Is Popular as Children’s Remedy.” New York Times on the Web. 25 May 2012. 18 July 2012.
MIRALAX SIDE EFFECTS
reported to the FDA by parents of children who were given Miralax
(limited list-more side effects reported since compiled)
Anxiety
Phobias
Extreme nervousness
Obsessive-Compulsive behavior
Scratching, biting (self and others)
Nightmares
Hysteria
Memory loss
Sleeplessness
Irritability
Mood swings
Bipolar disorder
Withdrawal
Communication loss
Loss of concentration
Vertigo while lying down
Anger
Tantrums
Metabolic acidosis
Clawing sister’s eyes
Sensitivity to sound
Motor skills affected
Fearfulness
Confusion
Inability to focus
Mumbled speech
Gait disturbances
Obsessive finger licking
Feelings of something dripping down face
Compulsive bad thoughts
‘Meltdowns’ over homework
‘Meltdowns’ over trivial things
‘Panic’ behavior
‘Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde behaviors
‘Wave pool feeling’ when trying to go sleep
Tics
Tremors
Seizures:
life threatening with 3 fatal cases documented and more suspected
Violent behavior
Suicidal thoughts (age 6)
Paranoia/bizarre hiding
Anti-social behavior
Slurred speech, whispering
Staring
Skin disorders
Keratosis pilaris – chicken skin, what appears to be Miralax particles trying to exit the body through the skin, primarily on the arms and legs
Homicidal ideation
Homicide
This is a short list, there are many other symptoms that have been reported.Call 1-800-FDA-1088
MIRALAX SIDE EFFECTS
reported to the FDA by parents of children who were given Miralax
(limited list-more side effects reported since compiled)
Anxiety
Phobias
Extreme nervousness
Obsessive-Compulsive behavior
Scratching, biting (self and others)
Nightmares
Hysteria
Memory loss
Sleeplessness
Irritability
Mood swings
Bipolar disorder
Withdrawal
Communication loss
Loss of concentration
Vertigo while lying down
Anger
Tantrums
Metabolic acidosis
Clawing sister’s eyes
Sensitivity to sound
Motor skills affected
Fearfulness
Confusion
Inability to focus
Mumbled speech
Gait disturbances
Obsessive finger licking
Feelings of something dripping down face
Compulsive bad thoughts
‘Meltdowns’ over homework
‘Meltdowns’ over trivial things
‘Panic’ behavior
‘Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde behaviors
‘Wave pool feeling’ when trying to go sleep
Tics
Tremors
Seizures:
life threatening with 3 fatal cases documented and more suspected
Violent behavior
Suicidal thoughts (age 6)
Paranoia/bizarre hiding
Anti-social behavior
Slurred speech, whispering
Staring
Skin disorders
Keratosis pilaris – chicken skin, what appears to be Miralax particles trying to exit the body through the skin, primarily on the arms and legs
Homicidal ideation
Homicide
This is a short list, many othersymptoms that have been reported.
Call 1-800-FDA-1088