Download polyethylene glycol (po-lee-eth-e-leenglye-kole)

Name /bks_53161_deglins_md_disk/polyethyleneglycol
03/14/2014 08:17AM
1
polyethylene glycol (po-lee-eth-e-leen glye-kole)
ClearLax, GlycoLax, Lax-a-Day, MiraLax,
Relaxa, RestoraLax
Classification
Therapeutic: laxatives
Pharmacologic: osmotics
Pregnancy Category C
PegaLax,
PolyLax,
Plate # 0-Composite
pg 1 # 1
Interactions
Drug-Drug: None significant.
PDF Page #1
Route/Dosage
PO (Adults): 17 g (heaping tablespoon) in 8 oz of water; may be used for up to 2 wk.
PO (Children ⬎6 mo): 0.5– 1.5 g/kg daily, titrate to effect (maximum: 17 g/day).
NURSING IMPLICATIONS
Assessment
● Assess patient for abdominal distention, presence of bowel sounds, and usual pat-
tern of bowel function.
Indications
● Assess color, consistency, and amount of stool produced.
Treatment of occasional constipation.
Potential Nursing Diagnoses
Action
Constipation (Indications)
Diarrhea (Side Effects)
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) in solution acts as an osmotic agent, drawing water into the
lumen of the GI tract. Therapeutic Effects: Evacuation of the GI tract without water or electrolyte imbalance.
Implementation
● Do not confuse Miralax (polyethylene glycol) with Mirapex (pramipex-
ole).
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Nonabsorbable.
Distribution: Unknown.
Metabolism and Excretion: Excreted in fecal contents.
Half-life: Unknown.
● PO: Dissolve powder in 8 oz of water prior to administration.
Patient/Family Teaching
● Inform patient that 2– 4 days may be required to produce a bowel movement. PEG
TIME/ACTION PROFILE (bowel movement)
ROUTE
ONSET
PEAK
DURATION
PO
unknown
1–3 days
unknown
Contraindications/Precautions
Contraindicated in: GI obstruction; Gastric retention; Toxic colitis; Megacolon;
Bowel perforation.
should not be used for more than 2 wk. Prolonged, frequent, or excessive use may
result in electrolyte imbalance and laxative dependence.
● Advise patient to notify health care professional if unusual cramps, bloating, or diarrhea occurs.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
● A soft, formed bowel movement.
Why was this drug prescribed for your patient?
Use Cautiously in: Abdominal pain of uncertain cause, particularly if accompanied by fever; OB, Pedi: Safety not established.
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
Derm: urticaria. GI: abdominal bloating, cramping, flatulence, nausea.
⫽ Canadian drug name.
⫽ Genetic Implication.
CAPITALS indicate life-threatening, underlines indicate most frequent.
Strikethrough ⫽ Discontinued.