Is Oral PEG available in my location?

Oral PEG Availability

Oral polyethylene glycol (PEG) is widely available in the United States and most developed countries both as over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription formulations. However, I cannot confirm availability in your specific location without knowing where you are located.

Available Formulations

Over-the-Counter Products

• PEG-3350 powder is available OTC as an 8.3-oz bottle (238 g) marketed for constipation 1, 2
• This formulation is FDA-approved for occasional constipation and can be purchased without a prescription 1, 2
• The standard OTC dose is 17 grams dissolved in 4-8 ounces of beverage, used once daily for up to 7 days 2

Prescription Formulations

Multiple FDA-approved prescription PEG-based bowel preparations are available for colonoscopy, including 1:

• 4-L PEG-ELS formulations: Colyte, Gavilyte, Golytely, and Nulytely (sulfate-free)
• 2-L PEG-ELS formulations: MoviPrep (with ascorbate and sodium sulfate)
• 1-L PEG-ELS formulations: Ultra-low-volume preparations with ascorbate 1

Clinical Context

For Constipation Management

• PEG-3350 is effective for chronic idiopathic constipation, with moderate-quality evidence supporting its use 1
• It can be used for up to 6 months safely in patients with chronic constipation 1
• The medication is relatively inexpensive and widely accessible 1

For Bowel Preparation

• Split-dose regimens of 4-L PEG-ELS provide high-quality bowel cleansing with strong recommendation and high-quality evidence 1
• Lower-volume formulations (2-L and 1-L) demonstrate comparable efficacy with better patient tolerability and adherence 1

Important Considerations

Contraindications and warnings from FDA labeling include 2:

• Do not use if allergic to polyethylene glycol
• Do not use if you have kidney disease without physician supervision
• Avoid in patients with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or sudden bowel habit changes
• Not recommended for irritable bowel syndrome without medical consultation

To determine availability in your specific location, you should:

• Check with local pharmacies for OTC PEG-3350 products
• Consult with a local physician who can prescribe prescription PEG formulations if needed
• Verify regulatory approval status in your country, as availability varies by region