Polyethylene glycol 3350

Administration

• Type: Laxatives, osmotic
• Dosage Forms:
• Routes of Administration: oral
• Common Trade Names: GaviLAX, GlycoLAX, MiraLax

Adult Dosing

• Constipation, occasional
  • Oral: 17 g dissolved in 120-240 mL liquid

Pediatric Dosing

• Constipation, occasional
  • Infants, Children, and Adolescents <17 years of age:
    • 0.2 to 0.8 g/kg/day though may be started at higher dose of 1 g/kg
    • Maximum daily dose of 17 g/day
• Fecal impaction
  • Children and Adolescents
    • Oral: 1 to 1.5 g/kg daily for 3-6 days
      • Maximum daily dose of 100 g/day

Special Populations

Pregnancy Rating

• Minimally absorbed, unlikely effect though not known

Lactation risk

• Minimally absorbed

Renal Dosing

None

Hepatic Dosing

None

Contraindications

• Allergy to class/drug
• Bowel obstruction

Adverse Reactions

Common

• Abdominal cramping
• Bloating
• Diarrhea

Pharmacology

• Onset: 24 to 96 hours
• Metabolism: none

Mechanism of Action

• Osmotic agent that causes water retention in stool and increases stool frequency

Comments

• Prolonged use may lead to electrolyte imbalance
• Use with caution in those with renal impairment

See Also

• Constipation
• Constipation (Peds)