Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350

What is polyethylene glycol?

PEG 3350 is a medicine called a laxative. PEG 3350 is used to treat constipation.

You may hear PEG 3350 called by the name pegFlakes, Restoralax, ClearLax or Lax-A-Day. PEG 3350 comes in a powder form that is tasteless and can be dissolved in any liquid.

Before giving polyethylene glycol to your child

Tell your health-care provider if your child has an allergy to polyethylene glycol.

Talk with your child's health-care provider if your child has any of the following conditions. Precautions may need to be taken with this medicine if your child has:

• a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract
• kidney disease

How should you give your child polyethylene glycol?

Follow these instructions when you give your child PEG 3350:

• Give your child PEG 3350 for as long as the health-care provider tells you.
• Give your child PEG 3350 at the same time every day, exactly as your child's health-care provider tells you. Pick a time that is easy for you so that you do not miss doses.
• Measure out the dose using the special spoon or measuring cap that comes with the powder. A dose of 17 grams is equal to one rounded tablespoon of the powder. 
  
• If available, a medicine cup can also be used to measure smaller doses. For a dose of 4.25 grams, fill powder up to the 5 mL marking. For a dose of 8.5 grams, fill powder up to the 10 mL marking.
• Mix your child's dose of PEG 3350 powder in 120 mL to 240 mL of a suitable liquid (water, juice or soda). Stir well. The powder will dissolve, and your child should drink the entire dose, as tolerated, ideally within a maximum of 20–30 minutes.
• For children following a fluid-restricted diet, the allowable minimum volumes of liquid to be mixed with PEG 3350 are as follows:
• 4.25 g of powder in at least 30 mL of liquid
• 8.5 g of powder in at least 60 mL of liquid
  
• 17 g of powder in at least 120 mL of liquid
  
• If your child cannot tolerate the powder dissolved in liquids, PEG 3350 may be mixed into soft foods. However, your child must drink the 120 mL to 240 mL of a suitable liquid (water, juice or soda) afterwards to ensure PEG 3350 works.

What should you do if your child misses a dose of polyethylene glycol?

• Give the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Give the next dose at the regular time.
• Do not give your child two doses to make up for one missed dose.

How long does polyethylene glycol take to work?

It may take two to four days before a bowel movement occurs.

What are the possible side effects of polyethylene glycol?

Your child may have some of these side effects while they take PEG 3350. Check with your child's health-care provider if your child continues to have any of these side effects and they do not go away, or if they bother your child:

• abdominal cramps
• gas
• bloating (fullness)
• nausea

Call your health-care provider during office hours if your child gets:

• a lot of diarrhea (loose, watery stools)
• signs of dehydration, such as weakness, dry mouth, thirst, lack of tears when crying, decrease in the amount of urine being made
• skin rash or hives
• changes in behaviour or mood (more angry, sad or nervous)

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. Call your child's health-care provider right away or take your child to Emergency if your child has any of these side effects:

• seizures

What safety measures should you take when your child is using polyethylene glycol?

Contact your health-care provider if your child is still constipated after one week of receiving PEG 3350. Often, the dose may need adjustment.

What other important information should you know about polyethylene glycol?

• Give your child lots of fibre and fluids in their diet. High-fibre foods include fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals, bran and beans.
• Keep a list of all medications your child is on and show the list to your child's health-care provider or to the pharmacist.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others. Do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Keep PEG 3350 powder at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Do not store it in the bathroom or kitchen.
• Make sure you always have enough PEG 3350 to last through weekends, holidays and vacations. Call your pharmacy at least two days before your child runs out of medicine to order refills.
  
• Do not keep any medicines that are out of date. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to throw away outdated or leftover medicines.
  

References

Dabaja A, Dabaja A, Abbas M. Polyethylene Glycol. [Updated 2023 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557652/

Keep polyethylene glycol (peg) 3350 out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much polyethylene glycol (peg) 3350, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.