General Information and Indications:
Polyethylene glycol 3350 is used to treat
occasional constipation. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is in a class of
medications called osmotic laxatives. It works by causing water to be
retained with the stool. This increases the number of bowel movements and
softens the stool so it is easier to pass.
Information For Users:
Polyethylene glycol 3350 comes as a powder to be mixed
with a liquid and taken by mouth. It is usually taken once a day as needed
for up to 2 weeks. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask
your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take polyethylene
glycol 3350 exactly as directed.
Polyethylene glycol 3350 may be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose,
take it more often, or take it for a longer period of time than your doctor
tells you to.
It may take 2 to 4 days for polyethylene glycol 3350 to produce a bowel
movement.
To use the powder, follow these steps:
o If you are using polyethylene glycol 3350 from a bottle, use the measuring
line on the bottle cap to measure a single dose (about 1 heaping
tablespoon). If you are using polyethylene glycol 3350 packets, each packet
contains a single dose.
o Pour the powder into a cup containing 8 ounces of water, juice, soda,
coffee, or tea.
o Stir to dissolve the powder.
o Drink immediately.
special precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to polyethylene glycol or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding a bowel obstruction (blockage
in the intestine) and if you have symptoms of bowel obstruction (upset
stomach, vomiting, and stomach pain or bloating).
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking polyethylene glycol
3350, call your doctor.
Eat a well-balanced diet that includes fiber-rich foods, such as unprocessed
bran, whole-grain bread, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of
fluids and exercise regularly.
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Polyethylene glycol 3350 may cause adverse
effects. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or
do not go away:
o upset stomach
o bloating
o cramping
o gas
Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience either of them, call your doctor without delay:
o diarrhea
o hives (Urticaria)
Possible Symptoms
of Overdose:
o diarrhea
o thirst
o confusion
o seizure
Brand Name(s):
o MiraLax®
Other Name(s):
o PEG 3350
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