Polyethylene Glycol
About Polyethylene Glycol
Polyethylene Glycol belongs to the group of medicines called osmotic laxatives, used to treat occasional constipation. Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements in which the stools are often dry, hard and painful to pass. Constipation occurs when the normal muscle contractions in the large intestine slow down, which causes the incomplete elimination of stools from the body.
Polyethylene Glycol contains ‘Polyethene glycol’, which causes the water to be retained in the stools, thereby stimulating bowel movement. It increases the number of bowel movements, softens the stools and makes it easier to pass. Therefore, Polyethylene Glycol helps provide relief from constipation.
Take Polyethylene Glycol as advised. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as bloating, gas, nausea, and abdominal pain/cramps. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Polyethylene Glycol. Do not take Polyethylene Glycol for more than a week unless advised by the doctor, as it might cause dependency on Polyethylene Glycol for a bowel movement. Consult a doctor before giving Polyethylene Glycol to children. Talk to your doctor if you notice any sudden changes in bowel habits that persist for over two weeks. Consult your doctor before taking Polyethylene Glycol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Polyethylene Glycol
• Treatment of occasional constipation: Polyethylene Glycol softens the stool and increases bowel movements.
• Bowel preparation before procedures: Polyethylene Glycol is commonly used to cleanse the bowel before diagnostic procedures like colonoscopy.
• Support in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): It promotes regular bowel movements, which helps in the management of constipation-predominant IBS.
• Gentle action without cramping: It works without stimulating the colon, making it suitable for people who are sensitive to other laxatives.
Medicinal Benefits
Polyethylene Glycol belongs to the group of medicines called osmotic laxatives, used to treat occasional constipation. Polyethylene Glycol causes the water to be retained in the stools, thereby stimulating bowel movement. It increases the number of bowel movements, softens the stools and makes it easier to pass. Therefore, Polyethylene Glycol helps provide relief from constipation.
Directions for Use
- Polyethylene Glycol can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Take the prescribed dose by mouth using the measuring cup/dosing syringe/dropper provided by the pack.
- Avoid using regular household spoons, as they may not accurately measure the dose. Shake well before use.
Storage
Side Effects of Polyethylene Glycol
- Abdominal pain/cramps
- Bloating
- Gas
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
Drug Warnings
Do not take Polyethylene Glycol if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have a bowel obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome, anorexia, or kidney disease. Consult a doctor before giving Polyethylene Glycol to children. Do not take Polyethylene Glycol for more than a week unless advised by the physician, as it might cause dependency on Polyethylene Glycol for a bowel movement; talk to your doctor if constipation lasts for more than a week. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Stop using Polyethylene Glycol and consult a doctor if you have severe diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, bloody stools, or if the side effects (nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating) get worse, as those might be an indication of a serious condition. Talk to your doctor if you notice any sudden changes in bowel habits that persist for over two weeks.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Polyethylene Glycol. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
cautionPolyethylene Glycol belongs to pregnancy category C. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant; your doctor will recommend Polyethylene Glycol if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will decide if Polyethylene Glycol can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
safePolyethylene Glycol is unlikely to affect your ability to drive. However, drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor if you have liver disease before using Polyethylene Glycol. Your doctor will determine potential risks and benefits before prescribing.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor if you have kidney disease before using Polyethylene Glycol. Your doctor will determine potential risks and benefits before prescribing.
Children
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Polyethylene Glycol for children, please consult a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try maintaining a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Stay hydrated, and drink enough water and fluids.
- Exercise regularly and stay fit.
- Get enough sleep.
- Try making time to empty your bowels whenever the body tells you to.
- Eat food rich in fibre, such as whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, flaxseed, nuts, beans, lentils, fruits (berries, apples, oranges, bananas, pears, figs) and vegetables (broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, avocados).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Constipation: It refers to infrequent bowel movements. The stools are often dry, painful and hard to pass. Constipation is a condition in which a person has fewer than three bowel movements in a week. However, bowel patterns may vary from person to person. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and the feeling that the bowel movement is incomplete. Constipation occurs when the muscle contractions in the large intestine slow down, which causes the incomplete elimination of stools from the body. Constipation can be associated with a sudden change in diet, a diet low in fibre, insufficient fluid intake, lack of exercise, loss of bowel muscle tone in older individuals, or prolonged bed rest.
FAQs
Polyethylene Glycol is used to treat constipation.
Polyethylene Glycol causes the water to be retained in the stools, thereby stimulating bowel movement. It increases the number of bowel movements, softens the stools and makes it easier to pass. Therefore, Polyethylene Glycol helps provide relief from constipation.
Diarrhoea might occur if Polyethylene Glycol is taken in larger doses. Drink lots of fluids and eat food rich in fibre if you experience diarrhoea. Stop using Polyethylene Glycol and consult your doctor if you experience severe diarrhoea or if you find blood in your stools.
Do not take Polyethylene Glycol for more than a week unless advised by the physician, as it might lead to dependency on Polyethylene Glycol for a bowel movement. Consult your doctor if your bowel movement is irregular even after taking Polyethylene Glycol for a week or if you notice a change in bowel habits that lasts for more than 2 weeks.
Drink plenty of fluids and consume fibre-rich food, whole-grain bread, unprocessed bran, fruits and vegetables. Try to exercise regularly.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before using Polyethylene Glycol.
You are recommended to consult your doctor before taking Polyethylene Glycol with other medications to avoid drug interactions.
Polyethylene Glycol may cause side effects such as bloating, nausea, gas, and stomach cramps or pain. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
