Macrogol

Macrogol, also known as polyethylene glycol (PEG), refers to a family of high-molecular-weight polymers used as osmotic laxatives. In medical preparations, macrogol is typically poorly absorbed from the gut; when ingested, it binds water in the intestinal lumen, increasing stool water content and softening the stool to promote bowel movements.

It is used to treat occasional constipation and, in higher-dose forms, as a bowel-cleansing agent before colonoscopy or radiologic procedures. Some products combine macrogol 3350 with electrolytes to replace minerals lost during bowel cleansing and to maintain electrolyte balance.

Dosing depends on the indication and product. For constipation in adults, typical regimens involve dissolving about 17 g of macrogol in a glass of water once daily, with adjustments up to about 34 g per day. For bowel preparation, standard regimens use large-volume PEG-electrolyte solutions taken under medical guidance, often with explicit instructions about timing and hydration. Always follow product labeling and clinician advice, and consider individual risks such as kidney function and hydration status.

Most people tolerate macrogol well. Common side effects include bloating, abdominal cramps, nausea, gas, and, less often, diarrhea. In rare cases, electrolyte disturbances or dehydration can occur, particularly in older adults or those with kidney disease. It should be used with caution in the setting of gastrointestinal obstruction, perforation, or severe inflammatory conditions.

In addition to its use as a laxative, macrogol is widely employed as an inert excipient and solvent in pharmaceutical formulations. It serves as a vehicle for drug delivery in some oral and enteric products.