Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 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

Polyethylene glycol 3350 without electrolytes for treatment of childhood constipation

Seen Chung1, Adam Cheng, Ran D Goldman

  • 1BC Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Ambulatory Care Building, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4, Canada.

Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
|May 15, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Polyethylene glycol 3350 is a safe and effective long-term treatment for functional constipation in children. However, more research is needed for infants under two years old.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Functional constipation is a prevalent and challenging condition in pediatric patients.
  • Managing chronic constipation in children requires safe and effective therapeutic options.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of polyethylene glycol 3350 without electrolytes as a long-term treatment for functional constipation in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • This study reviewed existing literature and clinical data on polyethylene glycol 3350 use in children.
  • Analysis focused on long-term outcomes, safety profiles, and efficacy in managing constipation.

Main Results:

  • Polyethylene glycol 3350 demonstrates a favorable safety profile and effectiveness for long-term management of functional constipation in pediatric populations.
  • Evidence for its use in children under two years of age is currently limited.

Conclusions:

  • Polyethylene glycol 3350 is a safe and effective long-term laxative option for pediatric functional constipation.
  • Further investigation is warranted for its application in infants younger than two years.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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...
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 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: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents01:20

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents

Diarrhea is characterized by the occurrence of frequent, watery bowel movements. Various factors can trigger diarrhea, including viral or bacterial infections, foodborne illnesses, side effects from certain medications, and underlying digestive disorders. If not adequately managed, diarrhea can lead to complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Severe diarrhea can lead to significant weight loss, malnutrition, and weakened immune function.
Adsorbents...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents01:17

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents

Diarrhea, a condition marked by frequent loose or watery bowel movements, can be triggered by multiple factors such as viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, anxiety, medications, and digestive disorders. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and cramping. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to complications like electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition, and dehydration if left untreated.
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...