Stomach
Laxatives and stool softeners
Laxative
Other names: MiraLAX, polyethylene glycol, Benefiber, psyllium, Metamucil, Colace
Wait
24 hours
after the first dose of docusate (Colace) or polyethylene glycol (MiraLax), and none for methylcellulose (Citrucel) (the FAA's MedGuide, whose table has no entry for Benefiber, Metamucil or senna)
FAA label
GENERALLY SAFE TO FLY
The FAA's over-the-counter guide lists bulk-forming laxatives (such as Benefiber), osmotic laxatives (such as MiraLAX), stool softeners (such as Colace) and stimulants (such as Senna) in its "Generally Safe to Fly" column, used in recommended doses.
Track your medicationsCompare FAA documents: Laxatives and stool softenersWhat each of the two FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen
The FAA's MedGuide names docusate (Colace) and polyethylene glycol 3350 (MiraLax) as allowed, for constipation, with a wait of 24 hours after the first dose and none after later doses or after the final dose, and methylcellulose (Citrucel) with no wait, each used per label directions; its table has no entry for Benefiber, Metamucil or senna. The MedGuide defines allowed as acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present.
- 24 hours after the first dose: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: Laxatives and stool softenersThe official FAA wording: two passages, each with its document and dateOpen
GENERALLY SAFE TO FLY
GO
Bulk forming (e.g., Benefiber)
Osmotic (e.g., MiraLAX)
Stool softener (e.g., Colace)
Stimulant (e.g., Senna)
Use in recommended doses.
Generic: docusate
Brand Name: Colace
Drug Class: Laxative, Surfactant
Underlying Condition: Constipation
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: Per label directions
Generic: polyethylene glycol 3350
Brand Name: MiraLax
Drug Class: Laxative; Osmotic laxative
Underlying Condition: Constipation
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: Per label directions
Generic: methylcellulose
Brand Name: Citrucel
Drug Class: Laxative, Bulk-Producing
Underlying Condition: Constipation
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): None
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: Per label directions
ALLOWED: The medication is acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present.