Repositioning Candidate Details
| Candidate ID: | R1284 |
| Source ID: | DB09287 |
| Source Type: | approved; vet_approved |
| Compound Type: | small molecule |
| Compound Name: | Polyethylene glycol |
| Synonyms: | Macrogol; Macrogol 3350; Macrogol 4000; Macrogol 6000; PEG; Polyethylene glycol 3350; Polyethylene glycol 4000; Polyethylene glycol 6000 |
| Molecular Formula: | -- |
| SMILES: | -- |
| DrugBank Description: | Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a synthetic polymer produced via polymerization of ethylene oxide molecules to make joining units of ethylene glycol by an ether linkage. PEGs are water-soluble polymers that can form hydrogen bonds in a ratio of 100 water molecules per one PEG molecule. Molecular weights of PEGs vary by time of the polymerization process and the molecular weight represents the weighted average of the individual PEG molecules. PEGs differ in their physical and chemical properties depending on their molecular weight: PEGs are liquids when molecular weights are <1000 and the molecule turns to waxy solids with increasing molecular weights. The most common preparations of PEGs include PEG 3350 and PEG 400. PEGs have various applications in many fields, ranging from medical to industrial areas. PEGs have a long history of gastroenterology: PEG 3350 is a common over-the-counter osmotic laxative used to relieve occasional constipation. PEG 3350 is also used for cleansing of the colon in preparation for colonoscopy in adults. The rationale of using PEG in gastroenterology is due to the physical properties of the compound: its potent water-binding capacity, negligible intestinal absorption with increasing molecular mass, lack of significant toxicity, and limited intestinal enzymatic degradation or bacterial metabolism all make PEG a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of occasional constipation and bowel cleansing for preparation in colonoscopy. |
| CAS Number: | 25322-68-3 |
| Molecular Weight: | |
| DrugBank Indication: | Polyethylene glycol is indicated for use as an over-the-counter osmotic laxative to relieve occasional constipation. When used in combination with sodium ascorbate, sodium sulfate, ascorbic acid, sodium chloride and potassium chloride, it is used for cleansing of the colon in preparation for colonoscopy in adults. |
| DrugBank Pharmacology: | The osmotic effect of PEG produces a copious watery diarrhea. The onset of action of PEG 3350 is about 1 to 2 hours after oral ingestion. The colonic transit of polyethylene glycol occurs in a dose-dependent manner. When used for bowel preparation before colonscopy, electrolytes are typically added in the oral solution to prevent dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. As an over-the-counter laxative, the OTC product does not contain any salts that can be absorbed. In a study involving healthy subjects, PEG 3350 had negligible effects on colonic fluid absorption or with the ability of the colonic mucosa to generate and sustain steep electrochemical gradients. |
| DrugBank MoA: | Osmotic laxatives contain substances that are poorly absorbable and draw water into the lumen of the bowel. Polyethylene glycol functions is an osmotic laxative that causes increased water retention in the lumen of the colon by binding to water molecules, thereby producing loose stools. |
| Targets: | -- |
| Inclusion Criteria: | Indication associated |
| Strategy ID | Strategy | Synonyms | Related Targets | Related Drugs |
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