Polyethylene Glycol (PEG): uses, side effects & brands

Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed 5 November 2026

PEG is a gentle osmotic laxative for constipation and bowel prep. It belongs to the Laxative & bowel (IBD) medicine group. These relieve constipation or treat inflammatory bowel disease.

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Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor

Measure	Range
Drug class	Laxative & bowel (IBD) medicine
Type	Prescription
Dose	Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist

What it is used for

Treats constipation in adults and children
Softens hard stools by drawing water into the bowel
Used in larger amounts to clean the bowel before a colonoscopy or surgery
Can help clear impacted stool when advised by a doctor

Common brand names

India: Peglec, Movicol, Cremalax
Worldwide: MiraLAX, Movicol

Common side effects

Bloating or wind
Loose stools or diarrhoea
Mild stomach cramps
Nausea (especially with bowel-prep doses)

Before taking it — precautions

Tell your doctor if you have a known or suspected bowel blockage, severe bowel inflammation or ongoing tummy pain of unknown cause
Ask before use if you have kidney or heart disease, especially for bowel-prep doses that shift body fluids
Drink enough fluids and mix the powder exactly as directed

When to see a doctor urgently

Severe tummy pain, vomiting or a swollen hard belly (urgent)
Bleeding from the back passage
Allergic reaction such as rash, swelling or breathing trouble (urgent)

Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of polyethylene glycol depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly does PEG work for constipation?

It is gentle, so it often takes one to three days to produce a bowel movement.

Is it safe for children?

PEG is widely used for constipation in children, but the amount and duration should be set by a doctor.

Can I take it long-term?

It is generally considered one of the safer laxatives for longer use, but ongoing constipation should be reviewed by a doctor to find the cause.

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Sources & further reading

Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.