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- What is polyethylene glycol? What is polyethylene glycol used for?
- What are the side effects of polyethylene glycol?
- What is the dosage for polyethylene glycol?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with polyethylene glycol?
- Is polyethylene glycol safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about polyethylene glycol?
What is polyethylene glycol? What is polyethylene glycol used for?
Polyethylene glycol is an osmotic laxative. Polyethylene glycol works by retaining water in the stool, resulting in softer stools and more frequent bowel movements. Polyethylene glycol does not affect glucose and electrolytes in the body.
What brand names are available for polyethylene glycol (peg) 3350-oral?
Miralax, Glycolax
Is polyethylene glycol (peg) 3350-oral available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for polyethylene glycol (peg) 3350-oral?
No
What are the side effects of polyethylene glycol?
Side effects of polyethylene glycol are diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and flatulence. Patients with have kidney disease should consult with their doctor before using this product.
What is the dosage for polyethylene glycol?
Adults and children 17 years of age and older: For constipation stir and dissolve one packet or scoopful of powder (17 grams) in any 4 to 8 ounces of water then drink once a day. Use no more than 7 days.
Safe and effective use of polyethylene glycol is not established for children under 16 years of age.
Which drugs or supplements interact with polyethylene glycol?
No drug interactions have been established with polyethylene glycol.
SLIDESHOW
How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Types, Causes, and Treatments See SlideshowIs polyethylene glycol safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known whether polyethylene glycol enters the breast milk.
What else should I know about polyethylene glycol?
What preparations of polyethylene glycol (peg) 3350-oral are available?
Powder for solution, supplied in packets and jars: 17 g per scoopful or packet
How should I keep polyethylene glycol (peg) 3350-oral stored?
Store polyethylene glycol packets and jars between temperatures of 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F).
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Summary
Polyethylene glycol 3350 (Miralax, Glycolax) is a drug used to treat occasional constipation and for bowel preparation prior to procedures. Side effects, drug interactions, dosing, storage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding information should be reviewed prior to using this medications.
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Clostridium Difficile Colitis (C. diff, C. difficle Colitis)
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Constipation
Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week. Constipation usually is caused by the slow movement of stool through the colon. There are many causes of constipation including medications, poor bowel habits, low fiber diets, laxative abuse, and hormonal disorders, and diseases primarily of other parts of the body that also affect the colon.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a GI (gastrointestinal) disorder with signs and symptoms that include abdominal pain, bloating, increased gas (flatulence), abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and food intolerance.Two new tests are now available that may help diagnose irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and constipation (IBS-M) irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D), and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Treatment for IBS includes diet changes, medications, and other lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.
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Ulcerative Colitis
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Diarrhea
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Microscopic Colitis (Lymphocytic Colitis and Collagenous Colitis)
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