Glycolax Oral Powder Dosing
One scoop of Glycolax (polyethylene glycol 3350) oral powder contains 17 grams of medication. 1
Standard Dosing Information
The FDA-approved labeling for Glycolax clearly specifies that each pre-measured dose contains 17 grams (0.5 oz) of polyethylene glycol 3350 powder 1. This is the standard adult dose for treating occasional constipation.
Clinical Context from Guidelines
According to the 2023 AGA-ACG clinical practice guidelines for chronic idiopathic constipation, 17 g daily is the recommended initial dose of polyethylene glycol for adults 2. This dose should be:
- Mixed in 8 ounces of any beverage
- Taken once daily
- Titrated based on symptom response and side effects
- No clear maximum dose exists
Measurement Considerations
If patients don't have access to the manufacturer's cap/scoop, research demonstrates that household measuring devices can approximate PEG-3350 doses 3:
- 1 leveled tablespoon ≈ 10 grams
- 1 unleveled tablespoon ≈ 11 grams
- 1 heaping tablespoon ≈ 15 grams
Therefore, to achieve the standard 17-gram dose without the provided scoop, patients could use approximately 1.5 to 2 leveled tablespoons. However, using a kitchen scale for precise measurement (17 grams) would be most accurate if the original scoop is unavailable 3.
Important Clinical Notes
The 2023 guidelines provide a strong recommendation for PEG use in chronic constipation with moderate certainty of evidence 2. Common side effects at the 17-gram dose include bloating, abdominal discomfort, cramping, and flatulence 2. Response to PEG has been shown to be durable over 6 months of treatment 2.