Macrogol

Macrogol
Systematic (IUPAC) name
Not available
Clinical data
AHFS/Drugs.com International Drug Names
MedlinePlus a603032
Identifiers
25322-68-3 Yes
A06AD15
UNII 3WJQ0SDW1A Yes
Chemical data
Formula H-(OCH2CH2)n-OH
Not available
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Macrogol is the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for polyethylene glycol. Macrogols have been used as laxatives, i.e. to treat constipation.[1]

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.[2]

Popular types include:

The number represents the average molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol. Combining different molecular weights provides some control over the consistency.[2]

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. ↑ 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.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Smolinske, Susan C. (1992). Handbook of Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Excipients. p. 287. ISBN 9780849335853.
  3. ↑ 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.
  4. ↑ "CID 27175 -- PubChem Compound Summary". Retrieved 2008-01-18.
  5. ↑ 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.