Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used in several over-the-counter medications as well as prescription solutions. The purpose of PEG is to bring water into the lower intestine to increase the softness of the stools. The reasons for needing PEG products can vary. PEG should only be taken as directed unless instructed otherwise by a doctor.
One Time Use
A prescription-strength PEG solution can be given to a patient to clean out the colon in preparation for surgery or examination. For example, a doctor may prescribe PEG for a patient prior to conducting a colonoscopy. At this time, a user may be advised to drink two liters or more of the PEG solution within 24 hours of a medical procedure. The solution will cause a user to have frequent bowel movements for several hours. This will empty the lower intestine and nearly all of the bowels.
Short Term Use
A prescription strength or over-the-counter (OTC) PEG product may be used to remedy temporary constipation. Drugs.com indicates that usage should not go beyond two weeks. Patients may be advised to take PEG once per day to initiate a bowel movement within three days. Users can also purchase the product without medical advice. After three days, PEG will likely cause a soft bowel movement every day that it is used.
Extended Use
Using PEG for longer than two weeks is not advised unless it was suggested by a medical doctor. Users with frequent irregularity issues may take PEG daily to produce a soft bowel movement. Consuming plenty of water with the daily use of this medication is necessary to prevent constipation and dehydration. Drugs.com indicates that PEG solutions can cause chemical dependence within the body if they are used for a longer period of time than prescribed or advised by the product label.
