Pronunciation:

pol-ee-ETH-i-leen GLYE-kol 3350

Brand Names:

• GaviLAX
• GlycoLax
• Miralax
• Atoma ClearLax
• Basic Care ClearLax
• CareOne Clearlax
• Life Brand ClearLax
• Pharmasave ClearLax

Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution
• Packet

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Laxative, Hyperosmotic

Uses of This Medicine:

Polyethylene glycol 3350 is used to relieve constipation. This medicine is a laxative.

This medicine is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product.

Before Using This Medicine:

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children—

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of polyethylene glycol 3350 in children 17 years of age and older.

Older adults—

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of polyethylene glycol 3350 in geriatric patients.

Breast-feeding—

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Other medicines—

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Bisacodyl
• Licorice
• Senna
• Sodium Picosulfate

Other interactions—

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems—

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Kidney disease—Use is not recommended in patients with this condition.

• Stomach or bowel problems (eg, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

Proper Use of This Medicine:

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Follow the instructions on the medicine label.

It may take 1 or 3 days for this medicine to help you have a bowel movement. Do not use it for more than 7 days unless your doctor has told you to.

This medicine comes in a bottle and a packet.

To use:

• Stir and dissolve one packet in 4 to 8 ounces of liquid and drink it right away. If you are using the bottle, measure the powder with the measuring cap (bottle top). Do not drink if there are any clumps.
• Do not add starch-based thickeners to this medicine.

Dosing—

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (powder for solution):
  • For constipation:
    • Adults and children 17 years of age and older—17 grams (g) once a day.
    • Children younger than 17 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage—

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

If your or your child's constipation do not improve within 7 days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Side Effects of This Medicine:

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Bloating

blood in stool

diarrhea

nausea

stomach cramps or pain

vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.