What Sizes Does MiraLAX Come In: A Complete Guide to Available Options

When it comes to managing occasional constipation, MiraLAX has become a household name for many people seeking relief. This popular over-the-counter laxative offers gentle, effective relief without the harsh side effects of some other products. But if you're standing in the pharmacy aisle or shopping online, you might find yourself wondering about the various packaging options available. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a regular user looking to optimize your purchase, understanding the different sizes MiraLAX comes in can help you make the most cost-effective choice for your needs.

Understanding MiraLAX: The Basics

Before diving into the various sizes available, it's worth understanding what MiraLAX actually is. MiraLAX contains polyethylene glycol 3350, an osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the colon to soften stool and increase bowel movements. Unlike stimulant laxatives, MiraLAX works with your body's natural processes to provide relief from constipation without causing harsh cramping or urgency.

MiraLAX is typically taken once daily, with each dose consisting of 17 grams of powder (about one heaping tablespoon) dissolved in 4-8 ounces of water, juice, or another beverage. This dosing information becomes important when considering which size package might best suit your needs, whether for occasional use or as part of a regular regimen recommended by your healthcare provider.

How MiraLAX Is Packaged

MiraLAX comes in powder form packaged in plastic bottles or individual dose packets. The powder is unflavored and dissolves completely in beverages, making it convenient to take. All MiraLAX packages contain the same medication at the same concentration—the only difference is the quantity of powder provided in each package size.

Standard Retail Sizes of MiraLAX

MiraLAX is available in several different sizes to accommodate various needs, from travelers to those who use the product regularly. Here's a breakdown of the most common sizes you'll find on store shelves and online retailers:

7-Dose Bottles (4.1 oz/119g)

The smallest standard bottle of MiraLAX contains 4.1 ounces (119 grams) of powder, which provides 7 daily doses. This size is perfect for first-time users who want to try the product without committing to a larger quantity. It's also ideal for travelers who need relief during a short trip or those who only experience occasional constipation.

This smaller size typically retails between $8-12, making it the most expensive option per dose, but the lowest overall investment. You'll commonly find this size at drugstores, grocery stores, and convenience stores where space may be limited.

14-Dose Bottles (8.3 oz/238g)

The mid-sized 14-dose bottle contains 8.3 ounces (238 grams) of MiraLAX powder. This option strikes a balance between quantity and price, offering two weeks of daily treatment at a better per-dose value than the 7-dose bottle. Many consumers find this size to be the "sweet spot" for household use, providing enough product to address a constipation issue completely without excess product that might sit unused.

The 14-dose bottle typically retails for $15-20, depending on the retailer. This size is widely available at most pharmacies, supermarkets, and big-box stores.

24-Dose Bottles (14.6 oz/408g)

For those who use MiraLAX regularly or have multiple family members who might need it, the 24-dose bottle provides nearly a month's supply at 14.6 ounces (408 grams). This larger size offers better value per dose and reduces the frequency of purchases needed.

The 24-dose bottle generally costs between $20-28, making it approximately 30% cheaper per dose than the smallest size. This size is commonly found at larger pharmacies, warehouse clubs, and online retailers.

30-Dose Bottles (17.9 oz/510g)

The 30-dose bottle contains 17.9 ounces (510 grams) of MiraLAX powder, providing a full month's supply for daily users. This size represents one of the best values for regular users, with each dose costing significantly less than in smaller packages.

Typically priced between $25-35, this size is most commonly found at warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club, as well as online retailers and some larger pharmacy chains.

Bulk and Value Sizes

For those who use MiraLAX regularly as part of their digestive health routine, larger sizes offer considerable savings. These bulk options might not be as visible on regular store shelves but can be found at certain retailers and online.

36-Dose Bottles (21.5 oz/612g)

The 36-dose bottle contains 21.5 ounces (612 grams) of MiraLAX powder. This size is less common in physical retail stores but can be found at some warehouse clubs and online retailers. It provides a good option for households where multiple people use the product or for individuals who have been advised by their doctor to use MiraLAX for an extended period.

This size typically retails for $30-40, offering one of the best values per dose among the standard retail options. The larger container also means less packaging waste compared to purchasing multiple smaller bottles.

45-Dose and 68-Dose Bottles

Some retailers, particularly online and warehouse clubs, offer even larger sizes of MiraLAX. The 45-dose (26.9 oz/765g) and 68-dose (40.8 oz/1.16kg) bottles represent the ultimate value options for regular users. These larger containers can last multiple months for a single user and offer the lowest cost per dose.

The 45-dose bottle typically costs between $35-45, while the 68-dose bottle ranges from $45-60, depending on the retailer. These larger sizes are primarily available through online retailers like Amazon and specialty pharmacy websites, as well as warehouse clubs like Costco.

MiraLAX Single-Dose Packets

In addition to bottled powder, MiraLAX is also available in pre-measured single-dose packets that contain exactly 17 grams of powder—the standard daily dose. These convenient packets offer portability and precision without the need for measuring.

10-Count Packet Boxes

The 10-count box of MiraLAX single-dose packets provides a week and a half of treatment. Each packet contains exactly 17 grams of powder, eliminating the need for measuring and making them ideal for use on the go. This option is perfect for travelers, those who dislike measuring powder, or people who want to keep MiraLAX at work or in other locations besides home.

These 10-count boxes typically retail for $12-18, making them more expensive per dose than bottled options but offering added convenience. They're widely available at most pharmacies and grocery stores.

20-Count and 30-Count Packet Boxes

For those who prefer the convenience of single-dose packets for longer periods, MiraLAX offers 20-count and 30-count boxes as well. The 20-count box provides nearly three weeks of daily treatment, while the 30-count box offers a full month's supply.

The 20-count box typically retails for $20-28, while the 30-count box ranges from $30-40. While these options cost more per dose than bottled powder, many users find the convenience worth the premium, especially for travel or on-the-go use.

Generic and Store Brand Options

It's worth noting that polyethylene glycol 3350, the active ingredient in MiraLAX, is also available in generic and store brand versions. These alternatives come in similar size options to name-brand MiraLAX but at lower price points.

Common Generic Sizes

Generic polyethylene glycol 3350 products typically mirror the size options of brand-name MiraLAX, with 8.3 oz (14 doses), 17.9 oz (30 doses), and 26.9 oz (45 doses) being the most common sizes. These products contain the same active ingredient at the same concentration as MiraLAX but can cost 20-40% less.

Major pharmacy chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid offer their own store brands, as do retailers like Walmart (Equate), Target (Up & Up), and Amazon (Amazon Basic Care). These generic options provide the same relief at a lower price point and come with similar measuring devices to ensure proper dosing.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Needs

When deciding which size of MiraLAX to purchase, several factors come into play, including frequency of use, number of users, budget considerations, and storage space.

Occasional vs. Regular Use

If you only experience constipation occasionally or want to try MiraLAX for the first time, smaller packages like the 7-dose or 14-dose bottles make the most sense. These sizes allow you to address immediate needs without committing to a large quantity that might expire before you use it all.

For those who use MiraLAX regularly as part of a doctor-recommended regimen, the larger sizes (24-dose, 30-dose, or even bulk options) offer better value and reduce the frequency of purchases. Regular users might find that buying in bulk saves significant money over time, even if the upfront cost is higher.

Convenience vs. Cost Considerations

Single-dose packets offer unmatched convenience for travelers or those who need to take MiraLAX away from home. However, this convenience comes at a premium price per dose. If budget is a primary concern, the larger bottled options provide much better value, with per-dose costs sometimes less than half that of the single-packet options.

For the most economical approach, consider purchasing a larger bottle for home use and a small box of packets for travel or on-the-go situations. This combination provides both convenience and value where each is most needed.

Conclusion

MiraLAX offers a range of size options to suit different needs and usage patterns, from small 7-dose bottles to bulk 68-dose containers, as well as convenient single-dose packets. Understanding these options can help you make the most cost-effective choice based on your specific situation.

For occasional users, smaller bottles provide flexibility without waste, while regular users can achieve significant savings by purchasing larger sizes. Meanwhile, single-dose packets offer convenience for travelers and on-the-go use, albeit at a higher cost per dose.

Whatever your needs, there's a MiraLAX size option designed to provide the relief you seek with the convenience and value that works best for your lifestyle. And remember, generic versions containing the same active ingredient offer identical relief at lower prices across similar size ranges, providing even more options for cost-conscious consumers.