Last reviewed · How we verify

polyethylene glycol, senna

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Polyethylene glycol and senna work together as an osmotic laxative and stimulant laxative to increase stool water content and promote bowel motility for constipation relief.

Polyethylene glycol and senna work together as an osmotic laxative and stimulant laxative to increase stool water content and promote bowel motility for constipation relief. Used for Constipation in pediatric patients, Bowel preparation in children.

At a glance

Generic namepolyethylene glycol, senna
Also known asMiralax, Senna
SponsorChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia
Drug classOsmotic and stimulant laxative combination
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaGastroenterology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an osmotic agent that draws water into the intestinal lumen, softening stool and increasing its bulk. Senna is a natural stimulant laxative derived from plant sennosides that directly stimulate colonic muscle contractions. Together, they provide both osmotic and mechanical effects to promote bowel 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

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: