Polyethylene Glycol: Uses, Side Effects, Warnings and Interactions

It is a stool softener used in the treatment of occasional constipation.

It prevents dry and hard stools and allows easy passage of stool.

It is also used before specific medical procedures to empty the intestines. This drug can also be found in other products, such as skin creams, eye lubricants, and food additives.

Side effects

Significant and minor side effects for polyethylene glycol:

Sickness.
Abdominal pain or bloating.
Excessive gas in the stomach.
Diarrhea .
Blood in the stool.
Abdominal cramps

Other uses of polyethylene glycol

This medicine is prescribed for:

Bowel preparation.
Constipation.

Concerns

Start of action

The time required for this medicine to show its action is approximately 1 to 3 days.

Duration of effect

The length of time this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.

Is it safe with alcohol?

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Can you form a habit?

This drug can be habit-forming in some cases, mainly if used for more than one week.

Use in pregnancy

This medication is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Before taking this medicine, all risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor.

Use during lactation

This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

When not to use?

This medicine is not recommended in patients with a known allergy to polyethylene glycol, or any other inactive ingredients present together with it.

Warnings

Warnings for special populations

Use with caution in:

In older adults.
Pregnant
Lactation period.
Kids.

General warnings

Severe adverse effects

In some patients, this medicine can cause serious side effects, such as severe or bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, worsening abdominal pain, etc.

Contact your doctor immediately for further instructions if you experience these symptoms. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary depending on the patient’s clinical condition.

Electrolyte imbalance

This drug should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from electrolyte abnormalities due to the increased risk of worsening the patient’s condition.

Report any side effects such as dizziness, weakness, fainting, changes in heart rate, muscle pain or cramps, etc., to your doctor immediately.

Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary depending on the clinical condition of the patient.

Continuous use

For more than one week, this medicine is not recommended due to the increased risk of dependence.

Kidney disease

This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of kidney disease due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. It should be used only when the risks outweigh the benefits and only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary depending on the patient’s clinical status.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose. Do not double your dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical treatment or contact a doctor in case of overdose.

Interactions

All drugs interact differently from person to person. You should check all possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medication.

Interaction with alcohol