Polyethylene Glycol 3000
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 26, 2025.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
Polyethylene glycol, referred to as PEG, is used as an inactive ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent, plasticizer, surfactant, ointments, and suppository base, and tablet and capsule lubricant. PEG has low toxicity with systemic absorption less than 0.5%.
PEGylation occurs when PEGs are attached to various protein medications, allowing for greater solubility for certain drugs. Examples of PEGylated medications include PEG-interferon alpha (Pegintron) and PEG-filgrastim (Neulasta). PEG is also available as a bowel prep for colonoscopy procedures and as a laxative.[1]
PEG 400 indicates the average molecular weight of the specific PEG at 400.[2] PEG 3350 is a laxative available over-the-counter by the name of Miralax. In this case, PEG is considered an "active" ingredient, even though systemic absorption is less than 0.5%.
Some examples of medications containing Polyethylene Glycol 3000
- Avapro 300 mg
- Avapro 150 mg
- Benazepril Hydrochloride 5 mg
- Benazepril Hydrochloride 20 mg
- Benazepril Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Caduet 5 mg / 20 mg
- Clarithromycin Extended Release 500 mg
- Divalproex Sodium Delayed Release 125 mg
- Divalproex Sodium Delayed Release 250 mg
- Divalproex Sodium Delayed Release 500 mg
- Edurant 25 mg
- Famotidine 20 mg
- Frova 2.5 mg
- Hydrochlorothiazide and Irbesartan 12.5 mg / 300 mg
- Hydrochlorothiazide and Irbesartan 12.5 mg / 150 mg
- Hydrochlorothiazide and Irbesartan 12.5 mg / 300 mg
- Irbesartan 75 mg
- Irbesartan 300 mg
- Irbesartan 150 mg
- Spironolactone Hydrochloride 50 mg
References
- Dave RH. Overview of pharmaceutical excipients used in tablets and capsules. Drug Topics (online). Advanstar. 10/24/2008 http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/Top+News/Overview-of-pharmaceutical-excipients-used-in-tabl/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/561047. Accessed 08/19/2011
- ThermoScientific. PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) Reagents http://www.piercenet.com/products/browse.cfm?fldID=12D97D8D-5056-8A76-4E95-9EA0D0B54BDB Accessed 08/19/2011
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.