Polyethylene Glycol 600
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 25, 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, in ointments and suppository base, and as a 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 that acts locally, even though systemic absorption is less than 0.5%.
Some examples of medications containing Polyethylene Glycol 600
- Backaid Max acetaminophen 500 mg / pamabrom 25 mg
- Bisacodyl 5 mg
- Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride and Ibuprofen 25 mg / 200 mg
- Diurex Ultra caffeine (anhydrous) 100 mg
- Ibuprofen and Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride 200 mg / 30 mg
- Multi Symptom NiteTime acetaminophen 325mg / dextromethorphan 15mg / doxylamine 6.25 mg
- Pep-Back Ultra caffeine (anhydrous) 200 mg
- XL-3 Xtra Cold and Cough acetaminophen 250 mg / chlorpheniramine 2 mg / dextromethorphan 10 mg / phenylephrine 5 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.