polyethylene glycol 3350

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 breastfeeding;
Pedi: May be associated with metabolic acidosis and neuropsychiatric events in children.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Derm: urticaria

GI: abdominal bloating, cramping, flatulence, nausea

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

None reported.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

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

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): 17 g (heaping tablespoon) in 8 ounces 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).

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Gavilax, GlycoLax, MiraLax

Action ⬆ ⬇

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

Therapeutic effects:

Evacuation of the GI tract without water or electrolyte imbalance.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: laxatives

Pharmacologic Classification: osmotics

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Nonabsorbable.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Excreted in fecal contents.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Canadian Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

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

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(bowel movement)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	1–3 days	unknown

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain the purpose and side effects of medication. Advise to take as directed. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting therapy.
Inform patient that 2–4 days may be required to produce a bowel movement; best results require 1–2 wk of use. Polyethylene glycol 3350 should not be used for >2 wk. Prolonged, frequent, or excessive use may result in electrolyte imbalance and laxative dependence.
Advise patient to notify health care provider 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 provider if severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, or nausea gets worse or if they need to use for >1 wk.
Advise patient to notify health care provider of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care provider before taking other medications.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

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Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇