PTCE Top 200 · #196

Polyethylene Glycol 3350

MiraLAX

Polyethylene Glycol 3350 is the generic name for the brand-name drug MiraLAX. It is an osmotic laxative used to treat constipation (osmotic). On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Polyethylene Glycol 3350 ranks #196 and is one of the most frequently tested gastrointestinal medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.

Generic name	Polyethylene Glycol 3350
Brand name(s)	MiraLAX
Drug class	Osmotic laxative
Class group	Gastrointestinal
Common use	constipation (osmotic)
DEA schedule	Unscheduled
Availability	Over-the-counter (OTC)

What is Polyethylene Glycol 3350 used for?

Osmotic laxative for occasional constipation; also used for bowel preparation regimens (product-specific).

What drug class is Polyethylene Glycol 3350?

Polyethylene Glycol 3350 is an Osmotic laxative in the Gastrointestinal group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.

Common side effects of Polyethylene Glycol 3350

arrow_rightBloating
arrow_rightGas
arrow_rightNausea
arrow_rightAbdominal cramping
arrow_rightDiarrhea

Major interactions

arrow_rightMay decrease absorption of oral medications if severe diarrhea occurs (separate dosing when possible)
arrow_rightOther laxatives increase diarrhea/dehydration risk

Is Polyethylene Glycol 3350 a controlled substance?

No. Polyethylene Glycol 3350 is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

How to remember Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (PTCE mnemonic)

MIRA-LAX MIRAculously LAXates — polyethylene glycol pulls WATER into stool osmotically. Mix with 8oz water/juice; gentle, takes 1-3 days; less cramping than stimulants; safe for chronic use.

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PTCE exam tip

MiraLAX is the osmotic laxative measured as 17 g of powder dissolved in any beverage — expect results in 1–3 days, not minutes; a first-line constipation answer.