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PEG 4000 (Forlax®)
PEG 4000 is an osmotic laxative that draws water into the intestinal lumen to soften stool and promote bowel movements.
PEG 4000 is an osmotic laxative that draws water into the intestinal lumen to soften stool and promote bowel movements. Used for Constipation, Bowel preparation.
At a glance
| Generic name | PEG 4000 (Forlax®) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Ipsen |
| Drug class | Osmotic laxative |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Gastroenterology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 is a non-absorbable polymer that creates an osmotic gradient in the colon, increasing water retention in the intestinal lumen. This softens fecal matter and increases stool bulk, stimulating peristalsis and facilitating evacuation. It is not systemically absorbed and acts locally within the gastrointestinal tract.
Approved indications
- Constipation
- Bowel preparation before diagnostic procedures
Common side effects
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea
- Flatulence
Key clinical trials
- To Determine the Effect of Forlax® Treatment in Children With Chronic Constipation Who May Also Suffer From Soiling/ Faecal Incontinence. (PHASE3)
- Study of Long-term Use of Forlax® in Elderly Patients With Chronic Constipation (PHASE4)
- Efficacy and Safety of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Slow Transit Constipation (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- PEG 4000 (Forlax®) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- PEG 4000 (Forlax®) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Ipsen portfolio CI