Polyethylene Glycol 3350

Polyethylene Glycol 3350 is a prescription and an OTC medication used for the treatment of constipation.

• Polyethylene Glycol 3350 is available under various brand names: ClearLax, GaviLAX, Gialax, Glycolax, HealthyLax, MiraLax, PEG3350, SunMark ClearLax

Common side effects of Polyethylene Glycol 3350 include:

• bloating, gas, upset stomach;
• dizziness; or
• increased sweating.

Serious side effects of Polyethylene Glycol 3350 include:

• hives,
• difficult breathing,
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• severe or bloody diarrhea;
• rectal bleeding;
• blood in your stools; or
• severe and worsening stomach pain.

Rare side effects of Polyethylene Glycol 3350 include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Lotion

• 0.05%

Cream

• 0.025%
• 0.05%

Ointment

• 0.05%

Tape

• 4 mcg/cm²

Constipation

Adult dosage

• Oral: 17 g (~1 heaping tablespoon) dissolved in 120 to 240 mL (4 to 8 ounces) of beverage, once daily; do not use for above 1 to 2 weeks (product specific) unless directed by the health care provider

Pediatric dosage

• Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Oral: Initial: 0.4 to 0.8 g/kg/day once daily or in divided doses; doses should be individualized to achieve the desired effect; usual maintenance dose: 0.2 to 1.5 g/kg/day

Fecal impaction

Pediatric dosage

• Children and Adolescents: Oral: 1 to 1.5 g/kg/day once daily for 3 to 6 consecutive days; maximum daily dose: 100 g/day

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Polyethylene Glycol 3350 has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Polyethylene Glycol 3350 has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Polyethylene Glycol 3350 has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Polyethylene Glycol 3350 has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Allergic to polyethylene Glycol
• Bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Polyethylene Glycol 3350?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Polyethylene Glycol 3350?”

Cautions

• You should not use this medicine if you have a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. If you have any of these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from polyethylene Glycol 3350.
• Do not use polyethylene Glycol 3350 more than once per day. Call your doctor if you are still constipated or irregular after using this medication for 7 days in a row.
• People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medication without the advice of a doctor.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• It is not known whether polyethylene Glycol 3350 will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication
• Lactation
  • It is not known whether polyethylene Glycol 3350 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.