Macrogol

Macrogol

Systematic (IUPAC) name
Not available
Clinical data
AHFS/Drugs.com	International Drug Names
MedlinePlus	a603032
Identifiers
CAS Number	25322-68-3
ATC code	A06AD15 (WHO)
ChemSpider	none
UNII	3WJQ0SDW1A
Chemical data
Formula	H-(OCH2CH2)n-OH
Molar mass	Not available
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Macrogol is the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for polyethylene glycol. Macrogols are commonly used as laxatives, i.e. to treat constipation, in both children^[1] and adults.^[2]

They are also used as excipients in pharmaceutical products where lower molecular weight variants are used as solvents in oral liquids and soft capsules. Solid variants are used as ointment bases, tablet bindings, film coatings and lubricants.^[3]

Popular types include:

• macrogol 3350^[4]
• macrogol 4000^[5]
• macrogol 6000^[6]

The number represents the average molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol. Combining different molecular weights provides some control over the consistency.^[3]

Available forms

Macrogol (polyethylene glycol) is sold as non-prescription preparation in powder form under trade names SoftLax, Purelax, Miralax, Glycoprep, Movicol, Macrogol (generic), Cololyt and Osmolax, among others. It is dissolved in a glass of water to create a clear, tasteless and odorless solution and is swallowed.

References

1. Gordon M, Naidoo K, Akobeng AK, Thomas AG (2012). "Osmotic and stimulant laxatives for the management of childhood constipation". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (7). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009118.pub2.
2. Zangaglia R, Martignoni E, Glorioso M, et al. (2007). "Macrogol for the treatment of constipation in Parkinson's disease. A randomized placebo-controlled study". Mov. Disord. 22 (9): 1239–44. doi:10.1002/mds.21243. PMID 17566120.
3. Smolinske, Susan C. (1992). Handbook of Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Excipients. p. 287. ISBN 9780849335853.
4. Hardikar W, Cranswick N, Heine RG (2007). "Macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes for chronic constipation in children: a single-centre, open-label study". Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 43 (7–8): 527–31. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1754.2007.01116.x. PMID 17635680.
5. "CID 27175 -- PubChem Compound Summary". Retrieved 2008-01-18.
6. Hyry H, Vuorio A, Varjonen E, Skyttä J, Mäkinen-Kiljunen S (2006). "Two cases of anaphylaxis to macrogol 6000 after ingestion of drug tablets". Allergy 61 (8): 1021. doi:10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01083.x. PMID 16867059.