Gulf Coast Community College- Associate degree Nursing
NUR 1260C – Gerontological Nursing
Medication Cards
Student Name: ____________________________
Name of Drug: Generic: polyethylene glycol
Trade: Miralax
Classification: Therapeutic: stool softener
Pharmacologic: osmotic-type laxative
Usual Dose: One capful (17 gms) fully dissolved in 8 oz of liquid qd
Resident/Client/ Patient Dose:
Action: Holds water in the stool to soften the stool and increases the number of bowel
movements.
Side Effects & Toxic Effects: Nausea, abdominal cramping, or gas may occur. High
doses may produce diarrhea and excessive stool frequency, particularly in elderly nursing
home patients. Patients taking other medications containing polyethylene glycol have
occasionally developed urticaria suggestive of an allergic reaction.
Drug Interactions: none significant
Nursing Implications: Mix powder until fully dissolved in 8oz of liquid. Provide
another drink to help wash the taste out.
Laboratory Considerations:
none significant