What is Polyethylene Glycol? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Polyethylene Glycol

How to take non-prescription polyethylene glycol

• Follow the instructions on the package. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Take only one dose per day.

• If using this medicine under the advice of a doctor, follow the doctor’s instructions. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to. 

• For most products, you can use the bottle cap to measure doses. Fill the cap level to the top. Other products may suggest using another measuring device.

• If using packets, one packet is a single dose.

• Doses can be taken with or without food at any time of day.

• Always dissolve the powder in four to eight ounces of water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea before swallowing it. 

• Make sure the powder is fully dissolved before drinking it. Do not drink it if there are clumps floating on top of the drink.

• Store polyethylene glycol powder at room temperature.

How to take prescription polyethylene glycol 

• If you are prescribed polyethylene glycol for bowel preparation, the doctor or clinic will provide an instruction sheet. These instructions may vary by practitioner or clinic.

• Read the instructions carefully.

• Immediately buy all the supplies you need. Don’t wait until the day before the procedure. 

• Most preparations come as liquids. MoviPrep and Plenvu come in powder packets and require mixing.

• Doses usually start the day before the procedure.

• Follow the dosing schedule. Some clinics will have you drink all the liquid the day before the procedure. Some clinics will have you drink half the preparation the day before and the other half the morning of the procedure.

• Powdered doses usually involve smaller doses and may have different dosing schedules than liquid versions.

• Mix the powder with any liquid specified in the instructions.

• Some powder mixtures need to be taken along with an additional glass of water.

• You should drink fluids throughout the day. Your instructions will include a list of fluids you’re allowed to drink.

What to do if you miss a dose of Polyethylene Glycol

• If using over-the-counter polyethylene glycol, take a missed dose as soon as it’s remembered. 

• If it’s the next day, skip the missed dose. Take that day’s dose.

• Never take two doses in one day unless told to by a healthcare professional.

• If you miss any PEG 3350 bowel prep doses, follow the instructions or call a healthcare provider.

Polyethylene Glycol contraindications - Who shouldn't take Polyethylene Glycol?

• Polyethylene glycol is not right for everyone.

• You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to polyethylene glycol or have:

  • Bowel obstruction

  • Intestinal blockage

• In addition to the above, prescription polyethylene glycol and electrolytes is contraindicated in anyone with:

  • Severe colon swelling

  • Gastric retention

  • Colon paralysis (ileus)

Polyethylene Glycol warnings

Nonprescription polyethylene glycol warnings

• Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using a PEG 3350 laxative.

• Before using any over-the-counter PEG 3350 product, get medical advice from a doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

  • Kidney disease

  • Irritable bowel syndrome

  • Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain

  • Any sudden change in bowel movements that has persisted for longer than two weeks

• Polyethylene glycol should not be given to a child younger than 16 years of age except under the advice of a doctor or other healthcare professional. 

• Do not use any over-the-counter laxative for longer than seven days. If constipation is still a problem, get medical advice from a doctor.

• You should stop using polyethylene glycol and call a doctor if you experience:

  • Abdominal pain or cramping

  • Diarrhea

  • Rectal bleeding

  • Nausea

  • Bloating

Prescription polyethylene glycol warnings

• Before taking prescription polyethylene glycol for bowel cleansing, tell the prescriber if you have:

  • Kidney problems

  • Electrolyte imbalances

  • Irregular heartbeats

  • A history of seizures

  • Digestive system problems

  • Trouble swallowing

• Prescription polyethylene glycol can cause serious problems including:

  • Heart rhythm abnormalities

  • Colon sores

  • Colon swelling

  • Increased risk of seizures

  • Aspiration (inhaling doses into the lungs)

• Most people taking prescription polyethylene glycol will experience some digestive system side effects or discomfort.

• Prescription polyethylene glycol will cause diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids while taking doses.

Polyethylene Glycol interactions & what to avoid when taking Polyethylene Glycol

• Over-the-counter polyethylene glycol does not have any major drug interactions.

• To avoid discomfort due to lesser drug interactions, make sure any doctor knows that you use polyethylene glycol before new drugs are prescribed.

• Prescription polyethylene glycol with electrolytes may cause problems with any drug that causes fluid or electrolyte problems. Tell the prescriber about all drugs you take before starting bowel prep doses.

• Prescription polyethylene glycol may reduce the body’s ability to absorb drugs. Ask the prescriber for advice. You may be instructed to take oral drugs at least one hour before you start taking the bowel prep formulation.