polyethylene glycol 3350 + electrolytes

Polyethylene glycol 3350 + electrolytes is an osmotic laxative combination used primarily for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy, barium enema X-ray, or other gastrointestinal procedures. The formulation consists of a high-molecular-weight polymer (PEG 3350) that acts as an osmotic agent to induce watery diarrhea, combined with a balanced mixture of electrolytes (typically sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, and often sodium sulfate) to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance during the lavage process. This isomotic approach minimizes the net exchange of water and electrolytes across the intestinal wall, making it safer than hyperosmotic preparations for patients with renal or cardiac comorbidities. It is typically administered as a large-volume oral solution, often requiring the ingestion of up to 4 liters of fluid.

Brand names

GoLYTELYGaviLyte-GGaviLyte-CColyteNuLYTELYTriLyte

Other names

PEG-ELSpolyethylene glycol 3350 and electrolytes for oral solutionPEG 3350 + electrolytesPEG 3350 with electrolytesPEG3350 with electrolytesPEG-3350 with electrolytes