Polyethylene glycol 400 is an ingredient used in a wide variety of medications, and is not an approved medication. Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are products made of condensed ethylene oxide and water that can contain various derivatives and have various functions.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 10 references
PEG, depending on molecular weight, has various mechanisms of action. For the purpose of Peg-400, the mechanism of action on the eye tissues will be the primary focus of discussion.
PEG-400 is considered a lacrimomimetic, or a synthetic ocular lubricant that improves one or more components of the lacrimal film by augmenting the tear volume and stability and by protecting the eye surface against desiccation. Hydroxypropyl-guar (HPG) is used along with polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG) and propylene glycol (PG) as a gelling agent that conforms to abnormalities of the tear film and existing irregularities on the ocular surface.
PEG provides lubrication and acts as a surfactant by coating the eye and interacting with propylene glycol and other solutions that help to act as surfactants on the eye mucosa. This allows for long-lasting, soothing effects.
Recent studies involving nanoparticle drug delivery have demonstrated that PEG can achieve sustained drug delivery. The delivery of drugs to mucosal surfaces is a significant challenge due to the presence of the protective mucus layer that acts to trap and quickly remove foreign particles. Nanoparticles designed to rapidly cross mucosal barriers (mucus-penetrating particles, “MPP”) have proven promising for augmenting drug distribution, and efficacy at various mucosal surfaces. Mucus- penetrating particles are heavily coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG), protecting the nanoparticle core from adhesion with mucus.
Polyethylene glycol, when free in solution, may also demonstrate attraction to the surfaces of various types of vesicles, cells or macromolecules, leading to polymer adsorption and subsequently either a repulsion or to an attraction, via bridging, of the surfaces or vesicles—again strongly depending on the temperature, molecular weight, and concentration of the polyethylene glycol. Low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (such as PEG-400) generally promotes cells or vesicles to adhere (depletion attraction), high molecular weight polyethylene glycol causes them to repel.
- Primary indication
- PEG-400 has been indicated for the temporary relief of burning and irritation due to dryness of the eye, andfor protection against further irritation and desiccation.Curator reviewed · 2 structured indications
- First approval
- Canada, 2003
- Also known as
- macrogol 400 · Octaethylene glycol · PEG-8 · Polyethylene glycol 8
- Code names
- PEG 400
- Brand names
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of December 10, 2025
Which drugs share a target with Polyethylene glycol 400, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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