NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Polyethylene Glycol

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

An osmotic laxative composed of polyethylene glycol 3350, used for the treatment of occasional constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation. PEG 3350 is also used in higher doses for bowel preparation before colonoscopy. It is well-tolerated and does not cause electrolyte imbalances at standard doses.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2009–2020
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

An osmotic laxative composed of polyethylene glycol 3350, used for the treatment of occasional constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 17 g (1 capful) dissolved in 8 oz of liquid once daily for up to 7 days (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Relief of occasional constipation2,5
  • Treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation2,5
  • Bowel preparation for colonoscopy (high-dose formulations)10,3
  • Gentle, non-stimulant laxation
What to watch for
  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Known or suspected bowel obstruction4,10
  • Known allergy to polyethylene glycol1,2

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: relief of occasional constipation, treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation, bowel preparation for colonoscopy (high-dose formulations). 10 sources indexed (2009–2020), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Acts as an osmotic agent in the intestinal lumen, retaining water through hydrogen bonding. The increased water content in the stool softens it and increases stool volume, stimulating peristalsis. PEG 3350 is not absorbed or metabolized, and it does not stimulate the colonic mucosa directly.

Class
Osmotic Laxative
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
17 g (1 capful) dissolved in 8 oz of liquid once daily for up to 7 days (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Powder dissolved in water or other beverage

Dissolve powder completely in 4–8 oz of water, juice, or other beverage; can be taken at any time of day

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Bloating
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Flatulence
  • Diarrhea (with excessive use)
  • Abdominal distension

Contraindications

  • Known or suspected bowel obstruction4,10
  • Known allergy to polyethylene glycol1,2
  • Patients with symptoms of appendicitis or acute abdomen
  • GI perforation
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

7

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Polyethylene Glycol, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Polyethylene Glycol?

An osmotic laxative composed of polyethylene glycol 3350, used for the treatment of occasional constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation. PEG 3350 is also used in higher doses for bowel preparation before colonoscopy. It is well-tolerated and does not cause electrolyte imbalances at standard doses.

What is Polyethylene Glycol used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Polyethylene Glycol include: Relief of occasional constipation; Treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation; Bowel preparation for colonoscopy (high-dose formulations); Gentle, non-stimulant laxation. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Polyethylene Glycol?

A typical adult dose of Polyethylene Glycol is 17 g (1 capful) dissolved in 8 oz of liquid once daily for up to 7 days (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Powder dissolved in water or other beverage. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Polyethylene Glycol?

Reported side effects include bloating, nausea, abdominal cramping, flatulence, diarrhea (with excessive use), abdominal distension. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Polyethylene Glycol?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Polyethylene Glycol in NutriStack.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.