From the Guidelines
Macrogol (Polyethylene Glycol) is safe to use during pregnancy.
Safety of Macrogol in Pregnancy
- The use of polyethylene glycol–based laxatives is recommended for treating constipation in pregnant persons, as stated in the 2024 clinical practice update on pregnancy-related gastrointestinal and liver disease 1.
- Osmotic laxatives, such as polyethylene glycol, can be administered safely during pregnancy, with the caveat that excessive use can cause maternal bloating 1.
- A study of 225 pregnant patients treated with low doses of PEG-ELS for constipation reported no adverse events, supporting the safety of macrogol in pregnancy 1.
Precautions and Alternatives
- Stimulant laxatives should be avoided during pregnancy due to conflicting safety data 1.
- Bulk-forming agents, such as psyllium husk or methylcellulose, are also safe to administer in pregnancy due to the lack of systemic absorption 1.
- The American Gastroenterological Association recommends tap water enemas for lower endoscopy during pregnancy, as full colonoscopy is rarely indicated 1.
From the Research
Safety of Macrogol (Polyethylene Glycol) during Pregnancy
- Macrogol (Polyethylene Glycol) is considered safe for use during pregnancy, as evidenced by studies comparing its safety and efficacy to other laxatives 2, 3, 4, 5.
- A randomized controlled clinical study found that polyethylene glycol 4000 was effective in treating constipation in pregnant women, with a faster therapeutic effect than lactulose 2.
- Another study suggested the use of macrogol and lactulose as first-line therapy for treating chronic constipation during pregnancy, with macrogol showing advantages such as faster onset of bowel action and fewer flatulences 3.
- An observational open-label study found that polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (PEG-4000) significantly increased evacuation episodes per week and resolved constipation in 73% of pregnant women 4.
- A prospective cohort study found that polyethylene glycol preparations alleviated constipation without inducing diarrhea, making them an appropriate therapeutic option for pregnant women 5.
- The US Food and Drug Administration is committed to protecting and advancing the public health of pregnant women by guiding the development and ensuring the availability of effective and safe therapeutics for obstetrical indications and for medical conditions during pregnancy, including the use of macrogol (polyethylene glycol) 6.
Key Findings
- Macrogol (polyethylene glycol) is effective in treating constipation during pregnancy 2, 4, 5.
- Macrogol has a faster therapeutic effect than lactulose 2.
- Macrogol is considered safe for use during pregnancy, with no significant differences in perinatal prognosis or side effects compared to other treatments 3, 5.
- The US Food and Drug Administration plays a crucial role in approving drugs for marketing, including those used during pregnancy 6.