Recommended Dosage of PEG for IBS-C
The recommended starting dose of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) is 17 g daily. 1
Dosing Guidelines for PEG in IBS-C
- PEG 3350 is an osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the intestine to increase stool bulk and facilitate passage 2
- The standard initial dose of 17 g daily is recommended for patients with IBS-C 1
- PEG can be titrated based on symptom response and side effects, with no clear maximum dose established 1
- Response to PEG has been shown to be durable over 6 months of treatment 1
Efficacy of PEG for Constipation
- Clinical studies have demonstrated that PEG is effective for the treatment of chronic constipation at the 17 g daily dose 3
- In randomized controlled trials, PEG showed superior efficacy compared to placebo with 52% of patients achieving treatment success versus 11% with placebo 3
- PEG has also demonstrated superior efficacy compared to tegaserod in the treatment of chronic constipation (50% vs 30.8% treatment success) 4
Administration and Monitoring
- PEG should be dissolved in water or another beverage before consumption 2
- Patients should be advised to maintain adequate hydration while using PEG 2
- Dose adjustments can be made based on clinical response, typically after 2-3 days of treatment 1
Side Effects and Safety Considerations
- Common side effects include bloating, abdominal discomfort, and cramping 1, 2
- PEG is generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile even with long-term use 3
- There is no significant risk of electrolyte imbalances at the recommended dose 5
Clinical Pearls
- For patients requiring more rapid relief, higher initial doses (51-68 g) have been studied for short-term use, but the standard 17 g daily dose is appropriate for ongoing management 5
- PEG is cost-effective compared to other prescription medications for IBS-C, with an estimated monthly cost of $10-$45 1
- For patients with inadequate response to PEG alone, combination therapy with other agents may be considered, but should start with the standard PEG dose of 17 g daily 1