Polyethylene Glycol 3350: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When you’re struggling with constipation or need your bowels cleared before a procedure, polyethylene glycol 3350, a non-absorbable osmotic laxative used to draw water into the intestines. Also known as PEG 3350, it’s one of the most trusted names in gentle bowel relief—found in brands like MiraLAX and generic versions sold in pharmacies everywhere. Unlike stimulant laxatives that force contractions, polyethylene glycol 3350 works by holding water in the colon, softening stool naturally. No harsh cramps. No sudden urgency. Just steady, predictable results.

This compound doesn’t get absorbed into your bloodstream. That’s why it’s safe for long-term use in chronic constipation and why doctors recommend it for colonoscopy prep. It’s also used in children and older adults because it’s less likely to cause electrolyte imbalances than older laxatives. You’ll find it in powder form, mixed with water, and taken once or twice a day. It usually takes 1 to 3 days to work, which is why people often start it a few days before a procedure or when they notice their usual routine slowing down.

What’s interesting is how often polyethylene glycol 3350 shows up in discussions about gut health, medication side effects, and even dietary changes. For example, people on certain blood pressure meds like Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor linked to dehydration and reduced bowel motility, sometimes turn to PEG 3350 to counteract constipation as a side effect. Others use it after antibiotics—like azithromycin, a common antibiotic that disrupts gut flora—because the imbalance leaves them backed up. Even in mental health, when SSRIs cause slowed digestion, polyethylene glycol 3350 becomes a quiet hero in the background.

It’s not a cure-all, though. If you’re using it daily for months without relief, something else might be going on—thyroid issues, nerve damage, or even a structural blockage. That’s why so many of the articles here focus on connecting the dots: how medications, diet, and lifestyle all play into bowel function. You’ll find guides on managing constipation from statins, how fiber interacts with osmotic laxatives, and what to do when PEG stops working as well as it used to.

Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or just someone trying to understand why your body isn’t moving like it used to, this collection gives you real-world answers. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works, what doesn’t, and how to talk to your doctor about it.