How Much Does Miralax Cost? A Complete Price Guide

Dealing with constipation can be uncomfortable and frustrating. When looking for relief, many people turn to Miralax, a popular over-the-counter laxative that contains polyethylene glycol 3350. But before heading to the store or placing an online order, you might be wondering about the cost. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down Miralax pricing across different retailers, package sizes, and even compare it with generic alternatives to help you find the most cost-effective option for your needs.

Understanding Miralax and Its Uses

Miralax is a brand-name osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the colon, softening stool and increasing bowel movements. Unlike stimulant laxatives, Miralax is generally considered gentle and is often recommended for occasional constipation. It typically begins working within 1-3 days and comes in a powder form that dissolves in beverages.

Healthcare providers sometimes recommend Miralax for short-term relief of constipation, though some patients use it for longer periods under medical supervision. Its active ingredient, polyethylene glycol 3350, is available in both the brand-name version and less expensive generic alternatives.

What makes Miralax particularly popular among both patients and healthcare providers is its mechanism of action, which doesn't involve stimulating intestinal contractions. This means it typically doesn't cause the cramping or urgency associated with stimulant laxatives. The polyethylene glycol molecules act as a sponge, pulling water into the digestive tract and helping to hydrate and soften the stool naturally. This gentle approach makes it suitable for a wider range of patients, including those with sensitive digestive systems.

Another advantage of Miralax is its tasteless and odorless nature, allowing it to be mixed into virtually any beverage without affecting palatability. This characteristic significantly improves medication adherence, especially for patients who struggle with taking medications. While water is the most commonly recommended mixing liquid, Miralax can also be dissolved in coffee, tea, juice, or even smoothies, providing flexibility for daily incorporation into one's routine.

Standard Dosing and Package Sizes

Miralax is typically taken once daily, with the standard adult dose being 17 grams (about 1 heaping tablespoon) dissolved in 4-8 ounces of water or another beverage. At this dosage, a 17.9-ounce bottle containing 30 doses would last one person approximately one month.

The product comes in several package sizes, with the most common being:

• 4.1 oz bottle (7 doses)
• 8.3 oz bottle (14 doses)
• 17.9 oz bottle (30 doses)
• 26.9 oz bottle (45 doses)
• Individual packets (typically sold in boxes of 10, 20, or 30)

Miralax Pricing at Major Retailers

Miralax prices can vary significantly depending on where you shop. Let's examine the typical costs at major retailers across the United States. Keep in mind that prices may fluctuate based on location, sales, and other factors.

Pharmacy Chains (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid)

Pharmacy chains typically carry a full range of Miralax products but often at higher price points compared to discount retailers. At these stores, you can expect to pay:

CVS:

• 8.3 oz bottle: $11.99-$13.99
• 17.9 oz bottle: $21.99-$24.99
• 26.9 oz bottle: $32.99-$36.99
• 10-count packets: $10.99-$12.99

Walgreens:

• 8.3 oz bottle: $11.49-$13.49
• 17.9 oz bottle: $20.99-$23.99
• 26.9 oz bottle: $31.99-$35.99
• 10-count packets: $10.49-$12.49

Rite Aid:

• 8.3 oz bottle: $11.99-$13.99
• 17.9 oz bottle: $21.49-$24.49
• 26.9 oz bottle: $32.49-$36.49
• 10-count packets: $10.99-$12.99

Big Box Retailers (Walmart, Target)

Big box retailers typically offer more competitive pricing on Miralax products. Their larger purchasing power allows them to sell at lower margins, resulting in better deals for consumers.

Walmart:

• 8.3 oz bottle: $9.97-$10.97
• 17.9 oz bottle: $17.97-$19.97
• 26.9 oz bottle: $26.97-$29.97
• 10-count packets: $8.97-$9.97

Target:

• 8.3 oz bottle: $10.49-$11.49
• 17.9 oz bottle: $18.99-$20.99
• 26.9 oz bottle: $27.99-$30.99
• 10-count packets: $9.49-$10.49

Online Retailers (Amazon, Chewy)

Online retailers often provide competitive pricing and the convenience of home delivery. They frequently offer bulk purchase options that can reduce the per-dose cost significantly.

Amazon:

• 8.3 oz bottle: $9.97-$11.97
• 17.9 oz bottle: $17.97-$21.97
• 26.9 oz bottle: $26.97-$31.97
• 10-count packets: $8.97-$10.97
• 30-count packets: $23.97-$27.97

Chewy:

• 8.3 oz bottle: $10.49-$11.99
• 17.9 oz bottle: $18.99-$21.99
• 26.9 oz bottle: $27.99-$31.99
• 10-count packets: $9.49-$10.99

Generic Alternatives to Miralax

If you're looking to save money, generic polyethylene glycol 3350 products offer the same active ingredient as Miralax at a significantly lower price point. These products work the same way and are required by the FDA to be bioequivalent to the brand-name version.

Store Brand Generics

Most major retailers and pharmacies offer their own store brand versions of polyethylene glycol 3350. These products typically cost 20-40% less than brand-name Miralax. For example:

CVS Health Polyethylene Glycol 3350:

• 8.3 oz bottle: $8.99-$9.99
• 17.9 oz bottle: $14.99-$16.99

Equate (Walmart) Polyethylene Glycol 3350:

• 8.3 oz bottle: $6.98-$7.98
• 17.9 oz bottle: $12.98-$13.98
• 26.9 oz bottle: $18.98-$20.98

Up & Up (Target) Polyethylene Glycol 3350:

• 8.3 oz bottle: $7.49-$8.49
• 17.9 oz bottle: $13.49-$14.49

Other Generic Brands

Several companies produce generic versions that are sold across multiple retailers. These include GoodSense, TopCare, and Basic Care. Prices for these brands typically fall between store brands and Miralax, offering another cost-saving option.

GoodSense Polyethylene Glycol 3350:

• 8.3 oz bottle: $7.99-$8.99
• 17.9 oz bottle: $13.99-$15.99
• 26.9 oz bottle: $19.99-$22.99

Cost Comparison: Per-Dose Breakdown

To truly understand the value, it's helpful to break down the cost per dose (17 grams) across different package sizes and brands. This allows for a more accurate comparison when making purchasing decisions.

Brand-Name Miralax Per-Dose Cost

Based on average prices across retailers, here's what you can expect to pay per dose of Miralax:

• 8.3 oz bottle (14 doses): $0.79-$1.00 per dose
• 17.9 oz bottle (30 doses): $0.60-$0.83 per dose
• 26.9 oz bottle (45 doses): $0.60-$0.82 per dose
• Individual packets: $0.90-$1.30 per dose

As you can see, the larger bottles typically offer better value, with the cost per dose decreasing as the package size increases. The individual packets, while more convenient for travel, come at a premium price.

Generic Per-Dose Cost

Generic alternatives offer significant savings when compared on a per-dose basis:

• 8.3 oz bottle (14 doses): $0.50-$0.71 per dose
• 17.9 oz bottle (30 doses): $0.43-$0.57 per dose
• 26.9 oz bottle (45 doses): $0.42-$0.51 per dose
• Individual packets: $0.60-$0.90 per dose

The savings are clear – generic versions can save you anywhere from 30-40% compared to the brand-name product, with the same active ingredient and effectiveness.

Ways to Save on Miralax

If you prefer the brand-name Miralax but want to reduce costs, there are several strategies you can employ to get the best possible price.

Coupons and Manufacturer Offers

The manufacturer of Miralax frequently offers coupons through their website, social media channels, and email newsletters. These coupons typically range from $1-$3 off and can be combined with store sales for additional savings. You can also find Miralax coupons in Sunday newspaper inserts and coupon apps like Ibotta or Checkout 51.

Additionally, the Miralax website sometimes offers rebate programs or starter kits with significant discounts for first-time users. Signing up for their email list can keep you informed about these special promotions.

Pharmacy Discount Programs

Several pharmacy chains offer discount programs that can reduce the cost of over-the-counter medications like Miralax. For example, the CVS ExtraCare program, Walgreens Balance Rewards, and Rite Aid wellness+ all provide points or cash back on purchases that can be applied to future transactions.

Discount cards like GoodRx are primarily known for prescription savings but occasionally offer coupons for OTC medications as well. It's worth checking these resources before making your purchase.

Bulk Purchasing

Buying the largest available size (typically the 26.9 oz bottle) usually results in the lowest per-dose cost. If you use Miralax regularly, this approach can lead to significant savings over time. Some warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club offer even larger sizes at competitive prices.

Online retailers like Amazon offer "Subscribe & Save" programs that provide an additional 5-15% discount when you set up regular deliveries. This can be particularly advantageous for those who use Miralax on an ongoing basis.

Final Thoughts on Miralax Pricing

When it comes to managing constipation with Miralax, understanding the pricing landscape can help you make informed decisions that balance effectiveness with cost. Brand-name Miralax typically costs between $0.60-$1.00 per dose depending on package size and retailer, while generic alternatives can reduce that cost to $0.42-$0.71 per dose.

For occasional use, the convenience of smaller packages or individual packets might outweigh the slightly higher per-dose cost. However, for regular users, opting for larger bottles of generic polyethylene glycol 3350 can result in substantial savings over time without sacrificing effectiveness.

Remember to consult with your healthcare provider about the appropriate use of laxatives, including Miralax and its generic equivalents. While pricing is important, your health needs should always be the primary consideration when choosing constipation relief products.