The Miralax lawsuit involves claims that the popular laxative may be linked to serious side effects, including neurological symptoms in children and kidney injuries in adults. Over the past decade, families across the United States filed product liability lawsuits against the companies that made and sold MiraLAX.
This guide explains in simple language:
- What is Miralax?
- Miralax ingredients and side effects
- Can kids take Miralax?
- What is the Miralax lawsuit about?
- Are Miralax lawsuits still active in 2026?
- What proof is required to file a claim?
This article provides general legal information only and is not legal advice.
What Is Miralax?
Miralax is an over-the-counter medicine used to treat constipation.
It comes as a white powder that you mix with water or juice. It helps soften stool by pulling water into the colon.
Miralax Ingredients
The main ingredient in Miralax is polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350).
PEG 3350 works by:
- Holding water in the stool
- Making bowel movements easier
- Helping relieve occasional constipation
It is not a stimulant laxative. It does not force the intestines to contract.
When Was Miralax Invented?
Miralax was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999 as a prescription medicine. In 2006, it became available without a prescription.
How to Use Miralax Powder
Many people search for “how to use Miralax powder.”
Here is the usual method:
- Measure 17 grams (the standard adult dose).
- Mix it with 4–8 ounces of liquid.
- Drink it once per day.
It usually works within 1 to 3 days.
How Much Miralax Can I Take for Severe Constipation?
For most adults, the normal dose is 17 grams once daily.
Doctors may sometimes adjust the dose depending on the patient. Taking too much can cause:
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Stomach cramps
- Electrolyte imbalance
If constipation lasts longer than one week, medical advice is recommended.
Can You Take Miralax Every Day?
The label says Miralax is meant for short-term use (usually up to 7 days).
However, some doctors recommend longer use for chronic constipation. Long-term use, especially in children, is one reason lawsuits were filed.
Always follow a doctor’s guidance for long-term use.
Miralax Side Effects
Most people tolerate Miralax without serious problems.
Common Side Effects
- Bloating
- Gas
- Nausea
- Loose stools
More Serious Concerns Raised in Lawsuits
Some parents reported that their children developed:
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Mood changes
- Tics
- Behavioral problems
Media reports, including coverage from 6abc Action News, featured families who believed symptoms began after prolonged Miralax use.
It is important to understand:
There is no court ruling or scientific consensus proving that Miralax causes autism. Organizations such as Autism Speaks have stated that no clear evidence confirms such a link.
Can Kids Take Miralax?
Miralax is often prescribed “off-label” for children.
Off-label means:
- The drug is approved for adults.
- Doctors may legally prescribe it for children.
- Long-term pediatric studies may be limited.
Many Miralax lawsuits involve children who used the medicine for extended periods.
What Is the Miralax Lawsuit?
The Miralax lawsuit refers to product liability claims filed against:
- Braintree Laboratories
- Bayer
Main Legal Claims
Plaintiffs have alleged:
- Failure to warn about possible neurological risks
- Inadequate testing for long-term pediatric use
- Kidney injury risks in adults
- Marketing concerns
Legal reporting outlets such as Law360 have covered aspects of the litigation.
Manufacturers have denied wrongdoing in many cases.
Miralax Autism Lawsuit: What Happened?
Many people search for “Miralax autism lawsuit.”
Some lawsuits claimed that PEG 3350 might break down into small amounts of compounds like ethylene glycol.
However:
- No nationwide recall occurred.
- No jury verdict established that Miralax causes autism.
- Some cases were dismissed or voluntarily withdrawn.
This does not mean families’ concerns were ignored. It means proving medical causation in court is very difficult.
Kidney Failure Lawsuits
In certain cases, attorneys from Feldman Shepherd filed claims alleging Miralax contributed to kidney injury.
Kidney-related claims typically argue:
- The label did not adequately warn consumers.
- PEG exposure may have affected kidney function.
Drug injury lawsuits require expert medical testimony, which makes them complex.
Are Miralax Lawsuits Still Active in 2026?
As of 2026:
- There has been no widely reported global settlement.
- Some cases were dismissed.
- Others faced procedural challenges.
Unlike some major pharmaceutical mass torts, Miralax litigation has not resulted in a large nationwide compensation program.
Litigation status can change over time, so checking updated court records is important.
Why Drug Injury Lawsuits Are Hard to Win
Many people believe that if a drug causes side effects, the company must pay damages. That is not always how the law works.
To succeed in a Miralax lawsuit, a plaintiff must prove:
- The drug directly caused the injury.
- The manufacturer failed to provide proper warnings.
- The injury led to measurable damages.
Drug companies often defend these cases by arguing:
- The product was FDA-approved.
- Known risks were disclosed.
- There is no reliable scientific proof of causation.
Expert testimony is usually required, and that makes these cases expensive and complicated.
What Evidence Is Needed to File a Miralax Lawsuit?
If someone is considering legal action, they typically need:
- Medical records
- Proof of Miralax use
- Timeline of symptoms
- Physician diagnosis
- Expert medical opinion
Without documented injury and medical support, most cases will not proceed.
Statute of Limitations
Every state has a deadline for filing product liability lawsuits. This is called the statute of limitations.
In many states, the deadline ranges from 1 to 3 years after the injury is discovered.
Missing the deadline usually prevents recovery.
Because deadlines vary by state, legal advice from a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction is important.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Miralax Lawsuit?
Drug injury cases are rarely simple.
You may consider speaking with a product liability attorney if:
- A child developed documented neurological symptoms after long-term use.
- An adult suffered medically diagnosed kidney injury.
- A doctor linked the condition to PEG exposure.
Most pharmaceutical injury lawyers work on contingency fees, meaning they are paid only if compensation is recovered.
However, not all claims qualify.
Final Thoughts
The Miralax lawsuit reflects concerns raised by some families about long-term use and pediatric safety. However:
- No nationwide settlement has been announced.
- Courts have not ruled that Miralax causes autism.
- Proving causation in pharmaceutical cases is difficult.
If you are concerned about past Miralax use:
- Speak with your doctor first.
- Gather complete medical records.
- Consult a licensed attorney in your state to review your options.
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information for educational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and outcomes vary by jurisdiction.
Miralax Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions
1. Has Miralax been recalled?
No nationwide recall of Miralax has been issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
2. Is Miralax FDA-approved for children?
Miralax is approved for adults. Pediatric use is considered “off-label,” meaning doctors may prescribe it for children even though it is not specifically FDA-approved for that age group.
3. Can adults file a Miralax lawsuit for kidney injury?
Yes, adults who suffered medically diagnosed kidney damage and can show documented use may consult an attorney about potential product liability claims.
4. Is there a Miralax mass tort or MDL?
Miralax cases have not resulted in a large nationwide multidistrict litigation (MDL) settlement like some other pharmaceutical cases.
5. What type of lawyer handles Miralax cases?
Product liability or pharmaceutical injury attorneys typically handle these claims.
