Polyethylene Glycol
Description
Polyethylene Glycol is a stool softener used in the treatment of occasional constipation. It prevents dry and hard stools and allows the easy passage of stools from the body. It is also used before certain medical procedures to empty the bowels.
Polyethylene Glycol may cause side effects like nausea, bloating, gas, and stomach cramping. Consult your doctor if they persist or become severe. Avoid taking this medicine if you are allergic to it.
Polyethylene Glycol can be taken with or without food as directed you your doctor. The dose and duration of treatment will be decided by your doctor based on your condition. Do not take the medicine in a larger amount as it may cause diarrhoea (loose stools). Make sure to dissolve the powder in a glass of water and stir well before intake.
Polyethylene Glycol may not be suitable for everyone. Inform your doctor if you have any medical conditions or taking other medicines. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding before beginning treatment with this medicine. Polyethylene Glycol is not recommended for use in children below eight years of age unless directed by your doctor.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Polyethylene Glycol
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Excessive gas in stomach
- Diarrhoea
- Blood in stools
- Abdominal cramps
Uses of Polyethylene Glycol
What is it prescribed for?
- Bowel preparation
- Constipation
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of Polyethylene Glycol may be observed within 24 to 48 hours after intake.
- Duration of effectThe time duration for which Polyethylene Glycol remains active in your body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?Polyethylene Glycol may be habit-forming in some cases, especially if used for more than 1 week at a time.
- Usage in pregnancy?Polyethylene Glycol is recommended for use during pregnancy only when prescribed by your doctor. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Polyethylene Glycol is acceptable for use while breastfeeding upon your doctor's recommendation.
Allergy
Avoid taking Polyethylene Glycol if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Bowel obstruction
Bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel that prevents food or liquid from passing easily. Avoid taking Polyethylene Glycol if you have such conditions as it may worsen your condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Polyethylene Glycol is recommended for use during pregnancy only when prescribed by your doctor. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Polyethylene Glycol is acceptable for use while breastfeeding upon your doctor's recommendation.
General warnings
Electrolyte imbalance
Electrolyte imbalance occurs when the levels of electrolytes (minerals) in your body become too high or too low. Polyethylene Glycol should be used with extreme caution if you have electrolyte imbalance as it may alter your blood volume and electrolyte levels. This may cause dizziness, dry mouth, and acid-base imbalance (abnormality in the human body to balance between acid and base). If you experience any side effects such as dizziness, weakness, fainting, change in heart rate, muscle pain or cramps, etc, inform your doctor immediately.
Continuous use
Polyethylene Glycol is not recommended for use for more than one week due to the increased risk of dependence.
Use in the elderly
Polyethylene Glycol should be used with caution in the elderly due to the increased risk of side effects.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Polyethylene Glycol, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose of Polyethylene Glycol.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Ondansetron
Ofloxacin
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Polyethylene Glycol as directed by your doctor. Follow all the instructions given on the label or package insert and.
Do not take more or less than the recommended dose.
Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects that persist or worsen.
Avoid taking this medicine for more than the recommended duration.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Polyethylene Glycol works by making your stool soft and allows easy passage from the body.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Laxatives
Schedule
OTC
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. [online] Available at: [Accessed 7 December 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL- 3350 powder, for solution. [online] Available at: [Accessed 7 December 2021].
Drugs, H., 2021. Polyethylene Glycol 3350: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: [Accessed 7 December 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 18 Jul 2022
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.