Last reviewed · How we verify
polyethylene glycol + Electrolytes
Polyethylene glycol with electrolytes acts as an osmotic laxative that draws water into the bowel lumen to promote bowel evacuation.
Polyethylene glycol with electrolytes acts as an osmotic laxative that draws water into the bowel lumen to promote bowel evacuation. Used for Bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy or other gastrointestinal procedures, Constipation management.
At a glance
| Generic name | polyethylene glycol + Electrolytes |
|---|---|
| Also known as | PEG |
| Sponsor | Fundación Salutia |
| Drug class | Osmotic laxative |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Gastroenterology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer is poorly absorbed and creates an osmotic gradient that retains water in the intestinal lumen. The added electrolytes (typically sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium sulfate) maintain electrolyte balance and prevent net absorption or secretion of electrolytes, ensuring isotonic conditions. This combination promotes bowel cleansing by increasing stool bulk and facilitating passage without significant fluid or electrolyte shifts.
Approved indications
- Bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy or other gastrointestinal procedures
- Constipation management
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Abdominal bloating or distension
- Abdominal cramping
- Vomiting
- Anal irritation
Key clinical trials
- Clinical Study of PEG Bowel Preparation in Appendectomy Patients
- The Associations Between Gut Length, Gut Microbiota and Food Assimilation
- Pre-packaged Low-residue Diet for Bowel Preparation in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease (NA)
- The Effect of Adding Lubiprostone to Standard Large-Volume PEG-ELS on The Quality of Inpatient Colonoscopy Preparation
- Combination of Lactulose and Polyethylene Glycol Electrolytes Powder (PEG-ELS) for Bowel Preparation in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients (NA)
- What Laxative Should be Used After Hip Fracture Surgery? (PHASE4)
- Evaluation of Fecal Microbiome Changes After Antegrade Continence Enema Placement and Initiation of Bowel Flush Regimen (PHASE4)
- The Study on the Effect of Different Administration Methods of Simethicone in Reducing Bubbles During Bowel Preparation (PHASE4)
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:
- polyethylene glycol + Electrolytes CI brief — competitive landscape report
- polyethylene glycol + Electrolytes updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Fundación Salutia portfolio CI