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Polyethylene glycol with 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, Treatment of constipation.
At a glance
| Generic name | Polyethylene glycol with electrolytes |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Movicol bambini |
| Sponsor | Azienda Policlinico Umberto I |
| 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 (sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium sulfate) maintain electrolyte balance and prevent net absorption or secretion of electrolytes, ensuring safe and effective bowel cleansing without significant fluid or electrolyte shifts.
Approved indications
- Bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy or other gastrointestinal procedures
- Treatment of constipation
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Abdominal bloating
- 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)
- Clinical Study of Bowel Preparation Before Colonoscopy (NA)
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 |
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