Editing Openai/6918c9b5-77bc-8013-8748-6b8370644a64 (section)

==== ⚠️ Important limitations and cautions ====
* The official FDA approved label and many drug information sources say not to use more than 7 days without consulting a physician. For example, the Cleveland Clinic states: “Do not use for more than one week without advice from your care team.” Cleveland Clinic<ref>{{cite web|title=Cleveland Clinic|url=https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18795-polyethylene-glycol-powder-for-solution|publisher=Cleveland Clinic|access-date=2025-11-15}}</ref>
* The manufacturer’s FAQ likewise says: “Do not use … more than seven days. If you need to use a laxative for longer than one week, stop use and consult your doctor.” Home<ref>{{cite web|title=Home|url=https://www.miralax.com/faq|publisher=miralax.com|access-date=2025-11-15}}</ref>
* Prolonged use of any laxative may mask underlying causes of constipation (e.g., bowel obstruction, metabolic issues) or lead to electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, dependence. For an osmotic laxative like PEG, these are less common but still possible. For example, a Harvard Health article warns: > “But don’t take more than the recommended amounts of these laxatives, or use them long-term, because they can throw off your chemistry.”  > Harvard Health
* There are reports (though not definitive) of associations between regular laxative use and higher risk of other issues (e.g., a laxative‐use & dementia association in one observational study) though this does not prove causation. Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research<ref>{{cite web|title=Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research|url=https://www.alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/regular-use-of-these-may-increase-the-risk-of-dementia/|publisher=Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research|access-date=2025-11-15}}</ref>