Generic
Poly ethylene Glycol 3350 + Electrolytes
1 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. It exerts an osmotic action in the gut to induce a laxative effect while maintaining electrolyte balance.
Description
Polyethylene Glycol 3350 is an osmotic agent that retains water in the gut, increasing stool volume which triggers colon motility via neuromuscular pathways. Electrolytes (sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate) are exchanged across the intestinal barrier with serum electrolytes and excreted in fecal water without net gain or loss of sodium, potassium, and water.
Indications
- Constipation
- Treatment of chronic constipation
- Resolving fecal impaction
Therapeutic class
Laxative preparations
Pharmacological class
Osmotic Laxative + Electrolytes
Pharmacology
Polyethylene Glycol 3350 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. Sodium chloride maintains electrolyte and fluid balance, potassium chloride plays a role in nerve conduction, and sodium bicarbonate regulates acid-base balance.
Mechanism of action
Softens stool and increases colon motility by retaining water in the gut.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- 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
Pediatric Dose (>12 years):
- Same as adult
Administration
- Measure 25 mL of oral solution with the provided measuring cup, add to 100 mL water
- 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:
- Electrolyte disturbances (hyperkalemia, hypokalemia)
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Peripheral edema
- Nausea, abdominal bloating, cramping, flatulence
- High doses may produce excessive stool frequency (especially in elderly)
- Urticaria (allergic reaction)
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
- Rule out bowel obstruction before initiating (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, distention)
Contraindications
- Known or suspected bowel obstruction
- Allergy to polyethylene glycol
Drug interactions
No known drug interactions.
Food interactions
Not food-related; it is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: No experience during pregnancy; use only if essential.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: No experience during lactation; use only if essential.
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: Caution in kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause excessive diarrhea and fluid/electrolyte disturbances; treatment: discontinue drug, fluid replacement, electrolyte monitoring.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Polyethylene Glycol 3350 + Electrolytes