Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Polyethelene Glycol

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Polyethelene Glycol is a Osmotic laxative Small molecule drug developed by St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. It is currently FDA-approved for Bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy or other GI procedures, Constipation management. Also known as: PEG-Lyte.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an osmotic laxative that draws water into the intestinal lumen to soften stool and promote bowel movements.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an osmotic laxative that draws water into the intestinal lumen to soften stool and promote bowel movements. Used for Bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy or other GI procedures, Constipation management.

At a glance

Generic name	Polyethelene Glycol
Also known as	PEG-Lyte
Sponsor	St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Drug class	Osmotic laxative
Modality	Small molecule
Therapeutic area	Gastroenterology
Phase	FDA-approved

Mechanism of action

PEG is a non-absorbable polymer that creates an osmotic gradient in the gastrointestinal tract, increasing intraluminal fluid volume and promoting intestinal motility. This mechanism facilitates stool passage without being systemically absorbed, making it suitable for bowel preparation and constipation relief.

Approved indications

Bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy or other GI procedures
Constipation management

Common side effects

Nausea
Abdominal bloating or distension
Abdominal cramping
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Key clinical trials

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:

Polyethelene Glycol CI brief — competitive landscape report
Polyethelene Glycol updates RSS · CI watch RSS
St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about Polyethelene Glycol

What is Polyethelene Glycol?

Polyethelene Glycol is a Osmotic laxative drug developed by St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, indicated for Bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy or other GI procedures, Constipation management.

How does Polyethelene Glycol work?

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an osmotic laxative that draws water into the intestinal lumen to soften stool and promote bowel movements.

What is Polyethelene Glycol used for?

Polyethelene Glycol is indicated for Bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy or other GI procedures, Constipation management.

Who makes Polyethelene Glycol?

Polyethelene Glycol is developed and marketed by St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton (see full St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton pipeline at /company/st-joseph-s-healthcare-hamilton).

Is Polyethelene Glycol also known as anything else?

Polyethelene Glycol is also known as PEG-Lyte.

What drug class is Polyethelene Glycol in?

Polyethelene Glycol belongs to the Osmotic laxative class. See all Osmotic laxative drugs at /class/osmotic-laxative.

What development phase is Polyethelene Glycol in?

Polyethelene Glycol is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Polyethelene Glycol?

Common side effects of Polyethelene Glycol include Nausea, Abdominal bloating or distension, Abdominal cramping, Vomiting, Diarrhea.

Drug class: All Osmotic laxative drugs
Manufacturer: St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton — full pipeline
Therapeutic area: All drugs in Gastroenterology
Indication: Drugs for Bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy or other GI procedures
Indication: Drugs for Constipation management
Also known as: PEG-Lyte

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing