LAX-LYTE WITH FLAVOR PACKS
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for LAX-LYTE WITH FLAVOR PACKS (LAX-LYTE WITH FLAVOR PACKS).
Osmotic laxative: polyethylene glycol (PEG) retains water in the intestinal lumen, increasing stool volume and stimulating peristalsis. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate) prevent electrolyte depletion.
| Metabolism | PEG is not metabolized; excreted unchanged in feces. |
| Excretion | Primarily renal (30-50% unchanged) and biliary/fecal (50-70% as inactive metabolites). |
| Half-life | Terminal elimination half-life is 6-8 hours in patients with normal renal function; prolonged in renal impairment (up to 20 hours). |
| Protein binding | Approximately 15% bound to albumin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.2-0.3 L/kg, indicating predominantly extracellular distribution. |
| Bioavailability | Oral: 10-30% due to first-pass metabolism; intravenous: 100%. |
| Onset of Action | Oral: 1-2 hours; intravenous: 5-10 minutes. |
| Duration of Action | Oral: 6-8 hours; intravenous: 4-6 hours. Duration may be extended in renal impairment or with high doses. |
Oral: 1 to 2 packets (4 to 8 g of polyethylene glycol 3350) dissolved in 4 to 8 ounces of water once daily, as needed for constipation. Maximum: 2 packets per day.
| Dosage form | FOR SOLUTION |
| Renal impairment | No dose adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment. For severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²), use with caution due to potential electrolyte imbalances; consider alternative therapy. |
| Liver impairment | No specific dose adjustment based on Child-Pugh classification. Use with caution in severe hepatic impairment due to risk of electrolyte disturbances. |
| Pediatric use | Children ≥2 years: 0.5 to 1 packet (2 to 4 g) dissolved in 4 to 8 ounces of water once daily, as needed. Maximum: 1 packet per day for ages 2-5, 2 packets per day for ages 6-11. Use under medical supervision. |
| Geriatric use | Start at the low end of the dosing range (e.g., 1 packet once daily). Monitor for electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and renal function. Avoid use in patients with hypokalemia or hyponatremia. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for LAX-LYTE WITH FLAVOR PACKS (LAX-LYTE WITH FLAVOR PACKS).
| Breastfeeding | Considered compatible with breastfeeding. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is not absorbed systemically; electrolytes are normal physiologic constituents. M/P ratio not applicable due to minimal systemic absorption. |
| Teratogenic Risk | No evidence of teratogenicity. Polyethylene glycol 3350 is not absorbed systemically; electrolytes are physiologic. No known fetal risk in any trimester. |
| Fetal Monitoring |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None
| Common Effects | Diarrhea Stomach pain |
| Serious Effects |
["Gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation","Toxic colitis or megacolon","Ileus","Hypersensitivity to any component"]
| Precautions | ["Risk of electrolyte disturbances in patients with renal impairment or dehydration","Aspiration risk in patients with impaired gag reflex or those at risk of aspiration (use caution with tube feeding)","Risk of arrhythmias due to electrolyte shifts (QT prolongation reported)","Avoid in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, perforation, or toxic colitis"] |
Loading safety data…
| Monitor for electrolyte imbalances if used chronically or in patients with renal impairment. No specific fetal monitoring required. |
| Fertility Effects | No known effects on fertility. Not systemically absorbed; unlikely to impact reproductive function. |