THERAPY/ CLASS:
Therapy: Osmotically Acting Laxative
Class:
Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (USP): Polymers of Ethylene Oxide
Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate & Potassium Chloride: Electrolytes to create Osmosis.
Mechanism of Action:
Polyethylene Glycol 3350 functions through its osmotic properties within the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a laxative effect. PEG 3350 enhances stool volume, stimulating colon motility through neuromuscular pathways, thereby promoting the efficient movement of softened stools and facilitating the process of defecation. The combination of electrolytes with PEG 3350 facilitates the exchange of electrolytes across the intestinal barrier (mucosa), with serum electrolytes being excreted in fecal water, all without any net gain or loss of sodium, potassium, or water.
Indications:
- Treatment of Chronic Constipation.
- Treatment of Severe Constipation
- Treatment of Faecal Impaction, defined as refractory constipation with faecal loading of the rectum and / or colon.
- Cleansing of the colon in preparation for colonoscopy in patients aged 6 months or greater.
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION:
Children aged 2 to 6 years should start with 12.5 ml of the solution mixed in 50 ml of water each day.
Children aged 7 to 11 years should begin with 25 ml of the solution mixed in 100 ml of water daily.
Adjust the dose to ensure regular, soft stools. If needed, you can increase the dose every other day. The maximum daily amount of PEG 3350 should not go over 26.252 grams.
HOW SUPPLIED:
SMILOVAC- PEG is available as Syrup in 110 ml pack.
References:
- Koppen IJ, Broekaert IJ, Wilschanski M, Papadopoulou A, Ribes-Koninckx C, Thapar N, Gottrand F, Lionetti P, Benninga MA. Role of polyethylene glycol in the treatment of functional constipation in children. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. 2017 Oct 1;65(4):361-3.
- Boles EE, Gaines CL, Tillman EM. Comparison of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution vs polyethylene glycol-3350 for the treatment of fecal impaction in pediatric patients. The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 2015 May 1;20(3):210-6.
- Phatak UP, Pashankar DS. Role of polyethylene glycol in childhood constipation. Clinical Pediatrics. 2014 Sep;53(10):927-32.
- Rachel H, Griffith AF, Teague WJ, Hutson JM, Gibb S, Goldfeld S, Trajanovska M, King SK. Polyethylene glycol dosing for constipation in children younger than 24 months: a systematic review. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2020 Aug 1;71(2):171-5.
