macrogol

**Macrogol** is the International Nonproprietary Name for polyethylene glycol, a non-absorbed synthetic polyether polymer used pharmacologically as an **osmotic laxative**. After oral administration, it retains water in the intestinal lumen, softening stool and increasing stool volume, which facilitates bowel movements; it does not act through a defined receptor target. The name is chemically non-specific because marketed products use different polymer molecular-weight ranges, most commonly macrogol 3350 or macrogol 4000, with or without electrolytes. Macrogol products are used for constipation and fecal impaction, while higher-volume macrogol-containing preparations are used for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy or surgery. ([ema.europa.eu](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/public-summary-evaluation-proposed-paediatric-investigation-plan-macrogol-3350-treatment-constipation_en.pdf))

Brand names

MiraLAXGaviLaxGialaxGlycoLaxHealthylaxSmooth LAXVita HealthClearLaxNatura-LaxRestoraLAXMoviPrep

Other names

polyethylene glycolPEG