Why is this medication
prescribed?
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.
How should this medicine be
used?
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 carefully, and ask
your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
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:
- 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.
- Pour the powder into a cup
containing 8 ounces of water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea.
- Stir to dissolve the powder.
- Drink immediately.
Other uses for this medicine
This
medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions
should I follow?
Before
taking polyethylene glycol 3350,
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol or any other
medications.
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins,
nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- tell your doctor if you have
or have ever had a bowel obstruction (blockage in the intestine) and if
you have symptoms of bowel obstruction (upset stomach, vomiting, and
stomach pain or bloating).
- tell 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.
What special dietary
instructions should I follow?
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.
What should I do if I forget a
dose?
This
medication is usually taken as needed.
What side effects can this
medication cause?
Polyethylene
glycol 3350 may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- upset stomach
- bloating
- cramping
- gas
Some
side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but
if you experience either of them, call your doctor immediately:
Polyethylene
glycol 3350 may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have
any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions are
needed for this medicine?
Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of
reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess
heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the
proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case
of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency
services at 911.
Symptoms
of overdose may include:
- diarrhea
- thirst
- confusion
- seizure
What other information should
I know?
Keep
all appointments with your doctor.
Do not
let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions
you have about refilling your prescription.
