Macrogol

Macrogol is the international nonproprietary name used for polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a medication ingredient.^[3] It is usually followed by a number indicating the average molecular weight, indicating the length of the polymer of the specific molecule in use.^[3] Macrogol is used as a laxative to treat constipation in children and adults.^[4] It is taken by mouth.^[4] Benefits usually occur within three days.^[5] It is also used as an excipient.^[6] It is also used to clear the bowels before a colonoscopy,^[4] when the onset of the laxative effect is more rapid, typically within an hour.^[7]

Side effects may include increased bowel gas, abdominal pain, and nausea.^[4] Rare but serious side effects may include an abnormal heartbeat, seizures, and kidney problems.^[8] Use appears to be safe during pregnancy.^[9][4] It is classified as an osmotic laxative:^[5] It works by increasing the amount of water in the stool.^[10]

Macrogol came into use as a bowel prep in 1980 and was approved for medical use in the United States in 1999.^[11][12][13] It is available as a generic medication and over the counter.^[4][14] In 2022, it was the 209th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 1 million prescriptions.^[15][16] It is also formulated together with electrolytes.^[17] In 2022, the combination with electrolytes was the 282nd most commonly prescribed medication in the US, with more than 600,000 prescriptions.^[15][18]