Polyethylene glycol
Brands Names: Clearlax, GaviLAX, Gialax, Glycolax, HelathyLax, Miralax, Normala| Peglax, PEG3350, Smoothlax, SunMark Clearlax
- Form of administration: Powder that dissolves in water
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Why is the drug here:
A treatment that serves as a first line treatment for constipation in children and adults.
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Purpose of treatment:
First line as a treatment for constipation in children and adults. Just think about it – before these powders came to life, I would have asked parents to add to the child’s omelet a disgusting paraffin oil, and you will understand how this subject has changed for the better.
- Ingredients: Polyethylene glycol - a substance that absorbs water within the digestive tract and soften stools.
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How to use:
Powder that dissolves in a glass / bottle of beverage (make sure the child finishes all the amount given to him). The dose is very variable, in general it is customary to start with a gram of powder per kilogram of body weight, and up to a dose of 17 grams (this is the amount in the many measuring cup). In special cases and on recommendation from a doctor, higher doses can be reached.
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Benefits:
Simple to administer, a powder that is in most of the cases tasteless, odorless and colorless and can be added to the child / adult’s drinking glass or other foods. The substance is not absorbed and therefore has almost no systemic side effects. Does not cause intestinal addiction, meaning that a child who is treated with five grams per day for two weeks will not have to later increase the dose because “the intestines have become accustomed”.
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Side Effects:
If given too much powder the child may have diarrhea. In such a case the quantity can be reduced.
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Another word from the doctor:
The chapter on the website about constipation is very important to me and I recommend reading it carefully if you are reading this page (see the link next). The treatment for constipation in children is complex and must include additional components beyond polyethylene glycol. On the other hand, one of the most common mistakes I see is a premature discontinuation of polyethylene glycol, before the constipation has resolved, both physicaly and psychologicaly (see the ‘vicious cycle’ of constipation).
I always compare this material to eating two fiber-rich apples a day. Why not continue for a longer period?