Head-to-head clinical analysis & difference comparison: details on mechanism of action, dosing, half-life, interactions, and maternal-fetal safety.
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 3350 AND ELECTROLYTES vs ANDROID 5
Clinician-reviewed, head-to-head comparison of mechanism, dosing, pharmacokinetics, and safety profiles.
Last clinically reviewed: July 2026 · OpiCalc Medical Review Team
Polyethylene glycol 3350 is an osmotic laxative that acts by retaining water in the stool, increasing stool volume, and stimulating colonic peristalsis. Electrolytes (sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate) are included to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and prevent shifts.
Androgen receptor agonist; stimulates protein synthesis and growth of androgen-sensitive tissues.
Bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy,Treatment of acute constipation in specific formulations
Testosterone replacement therapy for male hypogonadism,Off-label: delayed puberty in males
4 liters of PEG-3350 and electrolytes solution orally as a single dose for colonoscopy preparation; alternative split-dose regimen: 2 liters evening before and 2 liters morning of procedure. For constipation: 17 g (1 heaping tablespoon) dissolved in 8 oz water once daily, up to 3 days.
2.5-10 mg orally once daily in the morning for androgen replacement therapy in adult males.
Not applicable; PEG 3350 is not metabolized and is eliminated non-kinetically. Clinical effect occurs during colonic transit; residual drug cleared within 24–48 hours post-dose.
Terminal elimination half-life is 3.5–5.5 hours; clinical effects may persist for several days due to active metabolites.
Polyethylene glycol 3350 is not significantly metabolized; it is excreted unchanged in feces and urine. Electrolytes are absorbed and metabolized according to normal physiological pathways.
Hepatic via CYP3A4 and CYP2B6; undergoes first-pass metabolism.
Primarily fecal (unchanged); minimal renal excretion (<2%) as intact polymer. Electrolytes absorbed and renally excreted.
Primarily renal: ~90% as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, 6% as unchanged drug; ~5% fecal via bile.
PEG 3350: <1% bound to plasma proteins.
98% bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.
PEG 3350: 0.58 L/kg (confined to extracellular fluid; minimal tissue penetration).
Vd approximately 1.0 L/kg; indicates extensive tissue distribution, especially to reproductive organs and bone marrow.
Oral: <0.06% for PEG 3350 (systemic absorption negligible). Electrolytes fully absorbed.
Oral: 15–25% due to first-pass metabolism; buccal or transdermal: higher, but not commercially available for this formulation.
Contraindicated in patients with GFR < 30 m L/min/1.73 m² due to risk of electrolyte abnormalities and fluid overload. For GFR 30-60: use with caution, monitor electrolytes and volume status; consider split-dose regimen.
No specific dose adjustment required based on GFR; caution in severe impairment (Cr Cl <30 m L/min) due to potential fluid retention.
No specific Child-Pugh based dose adjustments; use with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to risk of electrolyte disturbances and fluid shifts.
Contraindicated in Child-Pugh class B and C cirrhosis due to hepatotoxicity risk; in class A, use with caution and monitor liver function.
For colonoscopy: 4 L if ≥ 12 years old; for constipation: 0.5-1.5 g/kg/day (max 17 g/day) in children ≥ 6 months. Safety and efficacy not established for colonoscopy in children < 12 years; alternative polyethylene glycol products available.
Not recommended for use in children as it may cause premature epiphyseal closure and virilization; limited data.
Use with caution due to increased risk of electrolyte imbalance, aspiration, and fluid overload. Consider split-dose regimen, monitor renal function and electrolytes. Lower starting dose for constipation: 8.5 g daily.
Increased risk of prostatic hyperplasia and carcinoma; use lowest effective dose with regular prostate monitoring.
No FDA black box warning.
Warning: Prolonged use may cause virilization in women, premature epiphyseal closure, and increased risk of prostatic hypertrophy/carcinoma.
Risk of fluid and electrolyte abnormalities,Serious arrhythmias in patients with pre-existing electrolyte disturbances,Seizures,Renal impairment,Aspiration risk in patients with impaired gag reflex,Colonic mucosal ulcerations
Monitor liver function, lipid profile, and prostate-specific antigen; risk of edema in patients with cardiac disease; avoid use in patients with sleep apnea.
Gastrointestinal obstruction,Gastric retention,Bowel perforation,Toxic colitis,Toxic megacolon,Ileus,Known hypersensitivity to any component
Known or suspected prostate cancer; breast cancer in males; hypersensitivity to androgens; pregnancy and lactation.
Avoid solid food during bowel preparation. Clear liquids only: water, clear broth, apple juice, white grape juice, black coffee or tea (no milk), clear sports drinks, gelatin without fruit. No red or purple colored liquids. Avoid alcohol.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they may increase drug levels. Limit salt intake to reduce fluid retention. Alcohol may increase risk of liver toxicity.
Insufficient human data; animal studies not conducted. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. No known teratogenicity from limited reports.
Pregnancy Category X. ANDROID 5 (oxandrolone) is contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenic effects including masculinization of female fetus, clitoral enlargement, and labial fusion. Risk is highest during first trimester but applies throughout gestation.
Excretion into breast milk unknown; polyethylene glycol is minimally absorbed systemically. Considered likely compatible with breastfeeding due to low absorption.
Excretion into human milk is unknown. Due to potential for androgenic effects in nursing infants, breastfeeding is not recommended. No M/P ratio available.
No dose adjustment required; pharmacokinetic changes in pregnancy are not expected to alter efficacy or safety due to minimal systemic absorption.
Not applicable; contraindicated in pregnancy. No dose adjustment recommendations exist for pregnant patients.
Administer in divided doses to improve tolerance. Ensure adequate hydration to prevent electrolyte imbalance. Contraindicated in ileus, gastrointestinal obstruction, perforation, gastric retention, or toxic colitis. Use with caution in patients with impaired gag reflex to reduce aspiration risk. Monitor renal function and electrolytes in elderly or debilitated patients.
Android 5 (methyltestosterone) is an androgenic anabolic steroid used for hypogonadism and delayed puberty. Monitor liver function due to hepatotoxicity. Use with caution in elderly due to increased risk of prostatic hypertrophy and carcinoma. Can cause fluid retention in patients with cardiac, renal, or hepatic disease. Avoid in patients with breast cancer or known or suspected prostate cancer.
Take this medication exactly as prescribed for bowel preparation before colonoscopy.,Mix the powder with clear liquids as directed; do not consume any solid food during preparation.,Drink additional clear fluids throughout the preparation to stay hydrated.,Expect frequent, watery bowel movements; stay near a toilet.,If you experience severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or inability to pass stool, contact your doctor immediately.
Take exactly as prescribed; do not increase dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.,Report any signs of liver problems: yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain.,Women should report any signs of virilization: hoarseness, acne, menstrual changes, growth of facial hair.,Men should report any breast enlargement, changes in urination, or priapism.,Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness.,Do not use if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
No interactions on record
No interactions on record
Explore head-to-head clinical comparisons of other medications in the same therapeutic classes.
Common clinical questions about POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 3350 AND ELECTROLYTES vs ANDROID 5, answered by our medical review team.
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 3350 AND ELECTROLYTES is a Bowel Evacuant that works by Polyethylene glycol 3350 is an osmotic laxative that acts by retaining water in the stool, increasing stool volume, and stimulating colonic peristalsis. Electrolytes (sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate) are included to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and prevent shifts.. ANDROID 5 is a Androgen that works by Androgen receptor agonist; stimulates protein synthesis and growth of androgen-sensitive tissues.. They differ in pharmacokinetic profiles, FDA-approved indications, and side effect profiles.
Potency comparisons between POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 3350 AND ELECTROLYTES and ANDROID 5 depend on the specific clinical indication. These are agents from distinct pharmacological classes and are not directly interchangeable by dose. A physician or clinical pharmacist should guide any therapeutic switching decisions.
The standard adult dose of POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 3350 AND ELECTROLYTES is: 4 liters of PEG-3350 and electrolytes solution orally as a single dose for colonoscopy preparation; alternative split-dose regimen: 2 liters evening before and 2 liters morning of procedure. For constipation: 17 g (1 heaping tablespoon) dissolved in 8 oz water once daily, up to 3 days.. The standard adult dose of ANDROID 5 is: 2.5-10 mg orally once daily in the morning for androgen replacement therapy in adult males.. Dosing should always be individualized based on indication, renal and hepatic function, age, and other patient factors.
No direct drug-drug interaction has been formally documented between POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 3350 AND ELECTROLYTES and ANDROID 5 in current clinical databases. However, individual patient risk factors including other medications, organ function, and comorbidities should always be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
The maternal-fetal safety profiles differ. POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 3350 AND ELECTROLYTES is classified as Category C. Insufficient human data; animal studies not conducted. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. No known teratogenicity from limited reports.. ANDROID 5 is classified as Category C. Pregnancy Category X. ANDROID 5 (oxandrolone) is contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenic effects including masculinization of female fetus, clitoral enlargement, and labial. Always consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist before taking either drug during pregnancy or lactation.