polyethylene glycol plus ascorbate

Polyethylene glycol plus ascorbate is a pharmaceutical combination used primarily for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy. It contains polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350), an osmotic laxative that retains water in the colon to induce diarrhea and cleanse the bowel. The addition of ascorbate (ascorbic acid and/or sodium ascorbate) enhances the osmotic effect. Electrolytes such as sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride are included to maintain electrolyte balance during rapid fluid loss. The mechanism of action is based on increasing water retention in the intestinal lumen through osmotic activity of both PEG and the accompanying ions[1][4][5]. This results in copious watery stools that effectively clear colonic contents for endoscopic examination.

Brand names

MoviPrepPlenvu

Other names

polyethylene glycol 3350 plus ascorbic acidPEG-ascorbatePEG 3350, electrolytes, and ascorbic acidpolyethylene glycol 3350, sodium ascorbate, sodium sulfate, ascorbic acid, sodium chloride and potassium chloride combination