Polyethylene glycol is a laxative used to treat constipation and used for bowel preparation before colonoscopies and other procedures. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a synthetic polymer produced via polymerization of ethylene oxide molecules to make joining units of ethylene glycol by an ether linkage.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 3 references
Osmotic laxatives contain substances that are poorly absorbable and draw water into the lumen of the bowel. Polyethylene glycol functions is an osmotic laxative that causes increased water retention in the lumen of the colon by binding to water molecules, thereby producing loose stools.
- Primary indication
- Polyethylene glycol is indicated for use as an over-the-counter osmotic laxative to relieve occasional constipation.Curator reviewed · 12 structured indications
- First approval
- Canada, 2005 · United States, 1984
- Also known as
- Macrogol · Macrogol 3350 · Macrogol 4000 · Macrogol 6000 · PEG
- Code names
- NER1006 · PEG-3350 · PEG 4000
- Brand names
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of July 17, 2026
Which other approved drugs treat the same conditions as Polyethylene glycol, and which companies have late-stage candidates in those indications?
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