Can Miralax and Thick-It be safely mixed for a dysphagia patient?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the compatibility of Miralax (polyethylene glycol) and Thick-It, a thickening agent, for patients with dysphagia. The issue arises when Thick-It is added to water, and the subsequent addition of Miralax causes the mixture to thin, rendering it unsuitable for consumption. The recommendation is to consult the prescribing doctor to find a suitable solution, as this may be a common issue with established protocols for managing dysphagia in patients requiring thickened liquids.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dysphagia and its dietary requirements
  • Knowledge of Miralax (polyethylene glycol) and its properties
  • Familiarity with Thick-It and its formulation
  • Basic principles of medication administration in assisted living facilities
NEXT STEPS
  • Research best practices for administering medications to dysphagia patients
  • Investigate alternative thickening agents compatible with Miralax
  • Learn about the chemical interactions between polyethylene glycol and modified food starch
  • Consult guidelines for dietary modifications in assisted living settings
USEFUL FOR

Healthcare professionals, caregivers in assisted living facilities, and anyone involved in the dietary management of dysphagia patients will benefit from this discussion.

Dian Cecht
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So I work at an assisted living facility where part of my job description is to administer medications in the morning. There is one resident who takes Miralax (polyethylene glycol) mixed in with water once per day for constipation.

This is a doctor's order, so he must get it every day. The problem is that the resident has dysphagia, and all liquids must be thickened before he drinks them. We use a product called "Thick-It" which is combination of modified food starch and maltodextrin, according to the ingredients label. What's happening is that I'll thicken the water with the Thick-It, but then when I add the Miralax it thins the liquid out to the point where it's not suitable for him to drink.

What's going on here chemically?
 
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Rather than try to speculate on what's going on, I would advise telling the doctor about the problem and asking how to address it. (There may not actually be anything chemical going on other than Miralax apparently being a good solvent for the ingredients in Thick-It. But I would expect that this problem has been encountered before, so there ought to be a standard way to address it, and it's really the doctor's call anyway.)