Generic
Polyethylene Glycol 3350 + Electrolytes
10 brands available in the market
At a glance
Polyethylene Glycol 3350 + Electrolytes is used for effective relief from constipation, treatment of chronic constipation, and resolving fecal impaction in adults and children over 12 years of age.
Description
Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (Macrogol) exerts an osmotic action in the gut, inducing a laxative effect and increasing stool volume which triggers colon motility via neuromuscular pathways. Electrolytes (sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride) are exchanged across the intestinal barrier with serum electrolytes and excreted without net gain or loss of sodium, potassium, and water. Macrogol remains unchanged along the gut and is virtually unabsorbed from the GI tract.
Indications
- Constipation
- Chronic constipation
- Resolving fecal impaction
Therapeutic class
Osmotic purgatives
Pharmacological class
Osmotic Laxative + Electrolytes
Pharmacology
Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (Macrogol) exerts osmotic action in the gut, retaining water and increasing stool volume which triggers colon motility. Electrolytes are exchanged across the intestinal barrier with serum electrolytes and excreted in fecal water without net gain or loss of sodium, potassium, and water. Macrogol remains unchanged along the gut and is virtually unabsorbed from the GI tract.
Mechanism of action
Softens stool and increases colon motility through osmotic action in the gut.
Dosage
Adults and ≥12 years (Powder for Suspension):
- Constipation: 1 sachet daily; may increase to 2-3 sachets daily if needed
- Fecal impaction: 8 sachets daily (within 6 hours); course not normally exceeding 3 days
- Dissolve each sachet in 125 mL water
Adults and ≥12 years (Oral Solution):
- Constipation: 25 mL oral solution added to 100 mL water (total 125 mL), once daily; may increase to 2-3 doses daily if needed
- Fecal impaction: 8 doses of 25 mL daily (each in 100 mL water); course not normally exceeding 3 days
Administration
- Powder for Suspension: Dissolve each sachet in 125 mL water
- Oral Solution: 25 mL oral solution added to 100 mL water (total 125 mL)
- Discard any unused diluted solution within 24 hours
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Side Effects:
- Allergic reactions
- Electrolyte disturbances (hyperkalemia, hypokalemia)
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Peripheral edema
Precautions & warnings
- Impaired cardiovascular function: For fecal impaction, divide dose so no more than two sachets are taken in any one hour
- If symptoms of fluid/electrolyte shifts occur (edema, shortness of breath, increasing fatigue, dehydration, cardiac failure), stop immediately
- Prolonged use with all laxatives is undesirable and may lead to dependence
- Renal insufficiency: No dosage change necessary
Contraindications
- Intestinal perforation or obstruction (structural or functional disorder, ileus)
- Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon
- Hypersensitivity to active substances
Drug interactions
- Isolated reports of decreased efficacy with some concomitantly administered medicinal products, e.g., anti-epileptics
Food interactions
Not food-related; it is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Systemic exposure to Macrogol is negligible; can be used during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Systemic exposure to Macrogol is negligible; can be used during breastfeeding.
Pediatric use
Safety not established in children under 12 years.
Geriatric use
High doses may produce excessive stool frequency in elderly; caution required.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: No dosage change necessary in kidney disease; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Severe pain or distention can be treated by nasogastric aspiration; extensive fluid loss by diarrhea or vomiting may require correction of electrolyte disturbances.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C in a place protected from light; do not refrigerate.
Chemical structure
Polyethylene Glycol 3350 + Electrolytes