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Polyethylene glycol 3350

Generic name: polyethylene glycol 3350 [ pol-ee-ETH-il-een-GLYE-kol ]
Brand names: ClearLax, GaviLAX, HealthyLax, MiraLax, Natura-Lax, ... show all 9 brands
Dosage form: oral powder for reconstitution (-)
Drug class: Laxatives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 2, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is polyethylene glycol 3350?

Polyethylene glycol 3350 is a laxative solution that increases the amount of water in the intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movements.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 is used as a laxative to treat occasional constipation or irregular bowel movements.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking polyethylene glycol 3350 and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of polyethylene glycol 3350 may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

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.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use polyethylene glycol 3350 if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol, or 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.

People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medication without the advice of a doctor.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

FDA pregnancy category C. 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.

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.

How should I take polyethylene glycol 3350?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

To use the powder form of this medicine, measure your dose with the medicine cap on the bottle. This cap should contain dose marks on the inside of it. Pour the powder into 4 to 8 ounces of a cold or hot beverage such as water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea. Stir this mixture and drink it right away. Do not save for later use.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 should produce a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days of using the medication. Polyethylene glycol 3350 normally causes loose or even watery stools.

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.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Bowel Preparation:

17 grams dissolved in 4 to 8 ounces of beverage, orally, once a day
Duration of therapy: No more than 7 days

Comments:
-The beverage may be hot, cold, or room temperature.
-Generally produces a bowel movement in 1 to 3 days.

Use: Relief of occasional constipation

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation:

17 grams dissolved in 4 to 8 ounces of beverage, orally, once a day
Duration of therapy: No more than 7 days

Comments:
-The beverage may be hot, cold, or room temperature.
-Generally produces a bowel movement in 1 to 3 days.

Use: Relief of occasional constipation

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking polyethylene glycol 3350?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect polyethylene glycol 3350?

Other drugs may interact with polyethylene glycol 3350, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Popular FAQ

For relief of constipation, you can take one dose of MiraLAX at any time of the day for up to 7 days. You may prefer to take it early in the day so that it’s less likely you will have a bowel movement during bedtime or late at night. MiraLAX usually produces a bowel movement in 1 to 3 days. If your constipation worsens or does not improve after one week, contact your healthcare provider. Continue reading

Any drug that is classified as an "opioid" can cause constipation. Examples of commonly prescribed opioids that may cause this side effect include morphine, tramadol, fentanyl, methadone, hydrocodone, codeine and oxycodone. Continue reading

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.