Polyethylene Glycol 8000
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 20, 2024.
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 8000
- Acetaminophen 500 mg
- Amitriptyline Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Amitriptyline Hydrochloride 25 mg
- Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium 875 mg / 125 mg
- Amoxicillin Trihydrate 500 mg
- Amoxicillin Trihydrate 875 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 10 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 40 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 20 mg
- Atorvastatin Calcium 80 mg
- Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Extended-Release 15 mg
- Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride 25 mg
- Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride 50 mg
- Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride 10 mg
- Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg
- Mirtazapine 30 mg
- Mirtazapine 15 mg
- Myrbetriq 50 mg
- Spironolactone Hydrochloride 25 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.