Polyethylene Glycol 6000
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 3, 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 6000
- Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium 500 mg / 125 mg
- Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium 875 mg / 125 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 20 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 40 mg
- Clopidogrel Bisulfate 75 mg (base)
- Donepezil Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Donepezil Hydrochloride 5 mg
- Doxycycline Monohydrate 100 mg
- Finasteride 5 mg
- Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 25 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 50 mg
- Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release 100 mg
- Montelukast Sodium 10 mg (base)
- Nabumetone 500 mg
- Paroxetine Hydrochloride 20 mg
- Paroxetine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Spironolactone 50 mg
- Spironolactone 25 mg
- Tramadol Hydrochloride 50 mg
References
- [1]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.