Drug reference
Polyethylene Glycol
Laxative · Bowel Cleansing
Also known as Macrogol 3350, PEG
LaxativeBowel CleansingATC A06AD15
CDSCO approvedATC A06AD15
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
Manufacturers advise use only if essential—no information available.
FDA category + note
Mechanism
Polyethylene glycol and electrolyte solutions are iso-osmotic preparations that work by drawing water into the bowel lumen. This osmotic action increases the volume of intestinal fluid, leading to bowel distension and subsequent evacuation, thereby achieving bowel cleansing.
Indications
Bowel cleansing before any procedure requiring a clean bowelDistal intestinal obstruction syndrome (second-line treatment)Colonic cleansing prior to radiological, surgical, and endoscopic proceduresOccasional constipationChronic constipation
Dosing
- Adult
- MOVIPREP: 1 litre daily for 2 doses; first dose of reconstituted solution taken on the evening before procedure and the second dose on the morning of procedure. Alternatively, 2 litres daily for 1 dose, taken on the evening before the procedure or on the morning of the procedure.…
Pharmacokinetics
Bioavailability
Minimal or no absorption
Contraindications
- Disorders of gastric emptying
- G6PD deficiency
- Gastrointestinal obstruction
- Gastrointestinal perforation
- Ileus
- Toxic megacolon
Side effects
Common
Abdominal painNauseaCrampingBloating
Serious
- Fluid and electrolyte disturbances
- Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., hypokalemia) in elderly or patients with preexisting electrolyte abnormalities
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
Manufacturers advise use only if essential—no information available.
Lactation
Manufacturers advise use only if essential—no information available.
Related guidelines
Irritable bowel syndrome
ISG · Gastroenterology · 2023
Anticoagulant management for dental procedures
ADA_DENTAL · Dentistry · 2015
Empirical antimicrobial use in common syndromes
ICMR · Infectious Diseases · 2019
Infective endocarditis prevention
NICE · Cardiology / Dentistry · 2008
Infective endocarditis prevention
AHA · Cardiology / Dentistry · 2007
Other Laxative drugs
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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e, Katzung, BNF, Nelson·Verified: 2026-05-13 · House clinical team