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Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl

Taipei Medical University WanFang Hospital · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl is a Combination laxative (osmotic + stimulant) Small molecule drug developed by Taipei Medical University WanFang Hospital. It is currently FDA-approved for Bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy or other gastrointestinal procedures, Constipation management. Also known as: Dulcolax®, Klean-prep®.

Polyethylene glycol acts as an osmotic laxative to draw water into the bowel, while bisacodyl stimulates colonic muscle contractions to promote bowel evacuation.

Polyethylene glycol acts as an osmotic laxative to draw water into the bowel, while bisacodyl stimulates colonic muscle contractions to promote bowel evacuation. Used for Bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy or other gastrointestinal procedures, Constipation management.

At a glance

Generic namePolyethylene glycol and bisacodyl
Also known asDulcolax®, Klean-prep®
SponsorTaipei Medical University WanFang Hospital
Drug classCombination laxative (osmotic + stimulant)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaGastroenterology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a non-absorbable osmotic agent that increases stool water content by retaining fluid in the intestinal lumen, softening stool and promoting passage. Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that directly irritates the colonic mucosa and increases peristalsis, enhancing bowel motility. Together, these agents provide both osmotic and mechanical effects for bowel cleansing and evacuation.

Approved indications

Common side effects

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.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl

What is Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl?

Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl is a Combination laxative (osmotic + stimulant) drug developed by Taipei Medical University WanFang Hospital, indicated for Bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy or other gastrointestinal procedures, Constipation management.

How does Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl work?

Polyethylene glycol acts as an osmotic laxative to draw water into the bowel, while bisacodyl stimulates colonic muscle contractions to promote bowel evacuation.

What is Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl used for?

Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl is indicated for Bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy or other gastrointestinal procedures, Constipation management.

Who makes Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl?

Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl is developed and marketed by Taipei Medical University WanFang Hospital (see full Taipei Medical University WanFang Hospital pipeline at /company/taipei-medical-university-wanfang-hospital).

Is Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl also known as anything else?

Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl is also known as Dulcolax®, Klean-prep®.

What drug class is Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl in?

Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl belongs to the Combination laxative (osmotic + stimulant) class. See all Combination laxative (osmotic + stimulant) drugs at /class/combination-laxative-osmotic-stimulant.

What development phase is Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl in?

Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl?

Common side effects of Polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl include Abdominal discomfort or cramping, Nausea, Bloating, Diarrhea, Dehydration.

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