The present study evaluated the published evidence on the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG), with or without electrolytes, in managing functional constipation and treating fecal impaction.

This analytical and descriptive study searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases until May 2016 of all publications using the relevant keywords. 

• It sorted Fifty-eight publications for descriptive analysis; among them, 41 were clinical trials, eight were observational studies, and nine were systematic reviews or meta-analyses.
• Twelve clinical trials evaluated PEG efficacy versus placebo, eight versus lactulose, six were dose studies, five compared polyethylene glycol with and without electrolytes, two compared its efficacy with respect to the milk of magnesia, and the remaining trials evaluated polyethylene glycol with enemas (2), psyllium (1), tegaserod (1), prucalopride (1), paraffin oil (1), fiber combinations (1) and Descurainia Sophia (1). 

It is evident from this study that Polyethylene glycol (with or without electrolytes) is superior in efficacy to placebo for treating functional constipation, both in adults and in pediatric patients, with great safety and tolerability. These preparations include the most efficacious osmotic laxatives (more than lactulose) and are the first-line treatment for functional constipation in the short as well as long term. Furthermore, they possess similar efficacy to enemas in fecal impaction, avoid the need for hospital admission, and show good tolerance by the patients.

Mínguez M, Higueras AL, Júdez J. Use of polyethylene glycol in functional constipation and fecal impaction. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2016;108(12):790-806. DOI: 10.17235/reed.2016.4571/2016