Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 27, 2026

Characteristics of Precipitation-formed Polyethylene Glycol Microgels Are Controlled by Molecular Weight of Reactants
11:32

Characteristics of Precipitation-formed Polyethylene Glycol Microgels Are Controlled by Molecular Weight of Reactants

Published on: December 23, 2013

Use of polyethylene glycol solution in functional and organic constipation in children

A Staiano1

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.

Italian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
|March 22, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) effectively treats constipation and encopresis in children by increasing bowel movements and reducing transit time. However, side effects like nausea may limit its use in some cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Functional constipation and encopresis are common in children.
  • Neurogenic constipation presents unique challenges, particularly in children with severe brain damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the efficacy of high-dose polyethylene glycol (PEG) for functional constipation and encopresis in pediatric patients.
  • To report on the use of low-dose PEG for neurogenic constipation in children with severe brain damage.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical experience with polyethylene glycol (PEG) in pediatric patients.
  • Assessment of treatment outcomes including bowel frequency and gastrointestinal transit time.

Main Results:

  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG) treatment led to a significant increase in bowel movement frequency.
  • A notable decrease in gastrointestinal transit time was observed with PEG therapy.
  • Adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and irritability were reported in a subset of patients.

Conclusions:

  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an effective treatment for functional constipation and encopresis in children.
  • PEG demonstrates utility in managing neurogenic constipation in severely brain-damaged children.
  • Careful monitoring for side effects is recommended during PEG treatment in pediatric populations.

More Related Videos

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease03:50

Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 18, 2023

Validation of Therapeutic Agent Conjugation to Polyvinyl Alcohol-Coated Medical Devices06:34

Validation of Therapeutic Agent Conjugation to Polyvinyl Alcohol-Coated Medical Devices

Published on: November 29, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives01:22

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Bulk-Forming and Stimulant Laxatives

Laxatives enhance bowel movements and alleviate constipation. They augment the stool's bulk, stimulate intestinal muscle contractions, draw water into the intestines, or soften the stool. There are five key types of laxatives: bulk laxatives, stimulant laxatives, osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, and lubricant laxatives.
Bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, methylcellulose, and polycarbophil, absorb water in the intestine, increasing stool bulk and promoting bowel movement. This makes...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives01:20

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives

Laxatives are primarily used to alleviate constipation, a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. They work by various mechanisms to increase the volume or frequency of bowel movements. The primary modes of action of laxatives include increasing stool bulk, softening the stool, stimulating intestinal motility, and osmotically drawing water into the intestines.
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS01:17

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Peritoneal Dialysis I: Introduction and Procedure01:30

Peritoneal Dialysis I: Introduction and Procedure

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a procedure that facilitates the exchange of solutes, waste products, electrolytes, and excess fluid between the blood in the peritoneal capillaries and a dialysis solution introduced into the peritoneal cavity.Principles of Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)Diffusion: Waste products such as urea and electrolytes move from high concentrations in the blood to low concentrations in the dialysate across the peritoneal membrane. This mechanism is driven by the concentration...