GlycoLax

Generic Name: polyethylene glycol 3350 (pol ee ETH il een GLYE kol)

Brand Names: GlycoLax, MiraLax

What is GlycoLax (polyethylene glycol 3350)?

Polyethylene glycol 3350 is a laxative solution that increases the amount of water in the intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movements.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 is used as a laxative to treat occasional constipation or irregular bowel movements.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about GlycoLax (polyethylene glycol 3350)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol, or if you have a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. If you have any these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from polyethylene glycol 3350. People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medication without the advice of a doctor.

Before taking polyethylene glycol 3350, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney disease, nausea or vomiting with severe stomach pain, or if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted 2 weeks or longer.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 should produce a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days of using the medication. Polyethylene glycol 3350 normally causes loose or even watery stools.

Do not use polyethylene glycol 3350 more than once per day. Call your doctor if you are still constipated or irregular after using this medication for 7 days in a row.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking GlycoLax (polyethylene glycol 3350)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol, or if you have a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. If you have any these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from polyethylene glycol 3350. People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medication without the advice of a doctor.

Before taking polyethylene glycol 3350, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

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  nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain;

  
  


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  ulcerative colitis;

  
  


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  irritable bowel syndrome;

  
  


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  kidney disease; or

  
  


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  if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted 2 weeks or longer.

  
  

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take GlycoLax (polyethylene glycol 3350)?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

To use the powder form of this medicine, measure your dose with the medicine cap on the bottle. This cap should contain dose marks on the inside of it. Pour the powder into 4 to 8 ounces of a cold or hot beverage such as water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea. Stir this mixture and drink it right away. Do not save for later use.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 should produce a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days of using the medication. Polyethylene glycol 3350 normally causes loose or even watery stools.

Do not use polyethylene glycol 3350 more than once per day. Call your doctor if you are still constipated or irregular after using this medication for 7 days in a row. Store polyethylene glycol 3350 at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, flushing, low blood pressure, a slow heartbeat, drowsiness, coma, and death.

What should I avoid while taking GlycoLax (polyethylene glycol 3350)?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using polyethylene glycol 3350.

GlycoLax (polyethylene glycol 3350) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking polyethylene glycol 3350 and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

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  severe or bloody diarrhea;

  
  


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  bleeding from your rectum;

  
  


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  blood in your stools; or

  
  


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  severe and worsening stomach pain, cramping, or bloating.

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  bloating, gas, upset stomach;

  
  


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  dizziness; or

  
  


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  increased sweating.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect GlycoLax (polyethylene glycol 3350)?

There may be other drugs that can interact with polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More GlycoLax resources

• GlycoLax Side Effects (in more detail)
• GlycoLax Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• GlycoLax Drug Interactions
• GlycoLax Support Group
• 1 Review for GlycoLax - Add your own review/rating

• GlycoLax Powder for Oral Solution MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• ClearLax Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Gavilax Prescribing Information (FDA)


• MiraLAX Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare GlycoLax with other medications

• Bowel Preparation
• Constipation
• Constipation, Acute

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about polyethylene glycol 3350.

See also: GlycoLax side effects (in more detail)