Harmful Effects of Polyethylene Glycol

Polyethylene glycol is a drug that's used to treat chronic or intermittent constipation. As an osmotic laxative, it stays in your bowel and draws water into your stools. You'll have softer, more frequent bowel movements after you take the medication. Like any medication, it may have harmful effects.

Types

• Polyethylene glycol may cause minor side effects, serious adverse effects or an allergic reaction. It's also possible to overdose on the drug.

Features

• Minor side effects include bloating, cramping, gas and nausea. If you're allergic to the drug, you may develop hives or itching. Serious adverse effects include excessive diarrhea, severe weakness and marked dehydration. An overdose of polyethylene glycol can cause diarrhea, thirst, confusion and seizures.

Significance

• While minor side effects go away when you stop taking the drug, it's important to seek medical attention immediately for serious side effects or an overdose.

Prevention/Solution

• Lower your risk for side effects by preparing and taking the drug as instructed. For the powdered form, mix the exact dose prescribed by your doctor with 8 ounces of water or other beverage, and drink it right away.

Tip

• If you experience a severe side effect from the drug, you can report it through the Food and Drug Administration's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html) or by phone [phone]).