From the FDA Drug Label
ACTIVE INGREDIENT (IN EACH DOSE) (Bottle Only) Polyethylene Glycol 3350,17 g (cap filled to line) (Packet Only) Polyethylene Glycol 3350,17 g (Bottle Only) (white section in cap) (17 g) adults and children 17 years of age and older: use once a day stir and dissolve one packet of powder (17 g) in any 4 to 8 ounces of beverage
The dosage of polyethylene glycol (PEG) for whole bowel irrigation is 17 g.
- The 17 g dose is to be dissolved in 4 to 8 ounces of beverage.
- It is recommended to use once a day for adults and children 17 years of age and older 1 1.
From the Research
The standard dosage of polyethylene glycol (PEG) for whole bowel irrigation is 1-2 liters per hour in adults, administered orally or via nasogastric tube until rectal effluent is clear or for 4-6 hours, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 2. The dosage for children is typically 25-40 ml/kg/hour. PEG solutions, such as GoLYTELY, CoLyte, or NuLYTELY, are preferred as they do not cause significant fluid or electrolyte shifts. Some key points to consider when administering whole bowel irrigation with PEG include:
- Administration should continue until the rectal effluent is clear and watery, which typically takes 4-6 hours but may require up to 12 hours in some cases.
- This procedure is used for gastrointestinal decontamination in certain poisonings, particularly for substances not adsorbed by activated charcoal, sustained-release medications, or body packers.
- Contraindications include bowel obstruction, perforation, ileus, hemodynamic instability, and unprotected airways in patients with decreased consciousness.
- Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and bloating, as noted in various studies 3, 4, 5, 6. However, it is essential to note that the use of whole-bowel irrigation should not be routine in poisoned patients, as stated in the most recent study 2, and its benefits are limited to specific cases, such as patients who have ingested modified-release preparations or substances not adsorbed by activated charcoal.