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The Sound of Evolution
Polyethylene glycol
Mechanism of action:
Polyethylene glycol is an osmotic laxative and a high-molecular-weight polyether polymer. Its action is based on a physical osmotic effect. Because polyethylene glycol is highly hydrophilic, it binds water molecules through hydrogen bonding, retaining water within the intestinal lumen and increasing the water content of intestinal contents.
Reference(s):
1. Hammer HF et al. (2000). [Polyethylene glycol (Macrogol)--an overview of its use in diagnosis and therapy of gastrointestinal diseases]. Wien Klin Wochenschr.
2. Minguez M et al. (2016). Use of polyethylene glycol in functional constipation and fecal impaction. Rev Esp Enferm Dig.
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