Polyethylene Glycol

Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (PEG, Miralax, Restoralax, GaviLax, GlycoLax)
1. Available as 17 grams per capful or scoop
2. Indicated for Constipation and available OTC
3. No salty taste
Polyethylene Glycol with Electrolytes (GoLytely, Colyte, NuLytely, Plenvu, MoviPrep)
1. Indicated for Colonoscopy Preparation and requires prescription
2. See Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation for dosing protocols

See Colonoscopy Bowel Preparation for dosing protocols
Onset of action with 24-48 hours
Preparation of Liquid 17 g in 8 ounces
1. Use PEG powder 17 grams (one capful)
2. Dissolve in 240 ml (8 ounces) water or juice
3. May chill PEG solution or mix with flavoring (e.g. Crystal Light) to improve taste
  1. If for Colonoscopy prep, avoid colored flavoring that might interfere with visibility
Individual Serving Dosing added to liquid (round to closest measurable dose)
1. One quarter capful contains 4 g
2. One heaping teaspoon contains 5.5 g
3. One half capful contains 8.5 g
4. Two heaping teaspoons contain 11 g
5. Three quarters capful contains 13 g
6. One capful contains 17 g
Disimpaction Dose
1. Use for 1 to 3 days until soft stool output
2. Adult: 17 grams (1 capful or scoop) in 8 oz orally daily
3. Child (over age 6 months)
  1. Start 1 to 1.5 g/kg/day (15 ml/kg/day) orally in liquid divided twice daily
  2. Adjust dose for two soft, painless stools per day
  3. Taper dose over time (see maintenance dosing below)
Maintenance Dose
1. Avoid daily use beyond 14 days
2. Adult: 8.5 to 17 grams (1/2 to 1 capful) orally daily
3. Child: 0.2 to to 0.8 g/kg/day (up to 1 g/kg/day)

Abdominal Pain
Flatulence
Neurotoxicity (case reports)
1. In 2017, studies initiated to determine if young children absorb Ethylene Glycol with neurotoxicity based on case reports
2. Rare case reports of tics, Tremors, OCD behavior
3. No evidence at this point that this is a significant concern
4. (2017) Presc Lett 24(4): 23