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Home > Drug Category > Laxatives & Antidiarrhea > Lax-A-Day and Equivalent

Lax-A-Day Information

Lax-A-Day is an osmotic laxative used to treat occasional constipation. It helps individuals who experience infrequent bowel movements or pass hard, dry stools. Also, it may be used occasionally at high doses to clear the bowel entirely before medical examinations such as colonoscopies. This medication contains Polyethylene Glycol 3350, which relies on osmotic pressure in the intestinal tract. Large molecules do not enter the bloodstream; instead, they remain in the colon and bind to the water you ingest. This fluid retention softens the fecal matter and increases its overall volume. The physical expansion of the stool then stimulates the bowel wall's natural muscular contractions, prompting a bowel movement. This physiological approach appears to reduce the risk of bowel dependence when compared to stimulant laxatives, though a persistent reliance on this medication might suggest an underlying dietary or medical issue that requires investigation.

Lax-a-Day Side Effects

Some mild side effects may occur with the use of this medication, which include abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, excessive stool frequency, flatulence (gas), and nausea. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice serious side effects, especially allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat. Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Lax-a-Day Precautions

Do not use this osmotic laxative if you are allergic to Polyethylene Glycol 3350 or inactive ingredients in Lax-a-Day. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Bowel obstruction;
• An infected or inflamed bowel with symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain (such as active colitis or toxic megacolon)

Do not give this medication to children under 18 years of age, as the safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been officially established for children by the manufacturer, though pediatricians frequently prescribe it off-label as a first-line treatment for childhood constipation.

Lax-A-Day accelerates intestinal transit time and increases intraluminal fluid volume. As a result, it can mechanically flush out other concurrently administered oral medications before they can be fully absorbed in the small intestine or colon. This is why it is advised to separate the intake of Lax-A-Day from other oral medications by at least 2 hours. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal products and supplements, to determine whether they are safe to use with Lax-a-Day. This medication should be avoided in pregnant and breastfeeding women unless recommended by a doctor after careful evaluation of its risks and benefits. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Lax-A-Day?

No, a prescription is not required from your physician to order Lax-A-Day.