• Occasional constipation.

Contraindicated in:

• GI obstruction
• Gastric retention
• Toxic colitis
• Megacolon
• Bowel perforation.

Use Cautiously in:

• Abdominal pain of uncertain cause, particularly if accompanied by fever
• OB: Minimal systemic absorption; may be used during pregnancy when osmotic laxative needed
• Lactation: Minimal systemic absorption; probably compatible with breast feeding
• Pedi: May be associated with metabolic acidosis and neuropsychiatric events in children.

Derm: urticaria.

GI: abdominal bloating, cramping, flatulence, nausea.

Drug-Drug:

• None reported.

(Generic available)

• Oral powder: 17 g/dose (in 14-oz, 24-oz, and 26-oz containers);

• PO (Adults): 17 g (heaping tablespoon) in 8 oz of water once daily; may be used for up to 2 wk.
• PO (Children >6 mo): 0.2–0.8 g/kg once daily, titrate to effect (max = 17 g/day).

Gavilax, GlycoLax, MiraLax

• Polyethylene glycol in solution acts as an osmotic agent, drawing water into the lumen of the GI tract.

• Evacuation of the GI tract without water or electrolyte imbalance.

Therapeutic Classification: laxatives

Pharmacologic Classification: osmotics

Absorption: Nonabsorbable.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Excreted in fecal contents.

Half-life: Unknown.

ClearLax, Comfilax, Emolax, Hydralax, Lax-a-Day, PegaLax, Relaxa, RestoraLax

(bowel movement)

• Inform patient that 2–4 days may be required to produce a bowel movement; best results require 1–2 wk of use. PEG should not be used for more than 2 wk. Prolonged, frequent, or excessive use may result in electrolyte imbalance and laxative dependence.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional if nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, unusual cramps, bloating, diarrhea or a sudden change in bowel habits for >2 wk occurs. Advise patient to discontinue use and consult health care professional if severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, or nausea gets worse, or if they need to use for >1 wk.
• Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

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