Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: GlycoLax, MiraLax

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

• What is polyethylene glycol 3350 (GlycoLax, MiraLax)?
• What are the possible side effects of polyethylene glycol 3350 (GlycoLax, MiraLax)?
• What is the most important information I should know about polyethylene glycol 3350 (GlycoLax, MiraLax)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking polyethylene glycol 3350 (GlycoLax, MiraLax)?
• How should I take polyethylene glycol 3350 (GlycoLax, MiraLax)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (GlycoLax, MiraLax)?
• What happens if I overdose (GlycoLax, MiraLax)?
• What should I avoid while taking polyethylene glycol 3350 (GlycoLax, MiraLax)?
• What other drugs will affect polyethylene glycol 3350 (GlycoLax, MiraLax)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is polyethylene glycol 3350 (GlycoLax, MiraLax)?

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 are the possible side effects of polyethylene glycol 3350 (GlycoLax, MiraLax)?

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:

• severe or bloody diarrhea;
• bleeding from your rectum;
• blood in your stools; or
• severe and worsening stomach pain, cramping, or bloating.

Less serious side effects may include:

• bloating, gas, upset stomach;
• dizziness; or
• 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 is the most important information I should know about polyethylene glycol 3350 (GlycoLax, MiraLax)?

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.

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