Polyethylene Glycol Coupons & Prices

Polyethylene glycol 3350, sold over the counter under brand names like MiraLAX and GlycoLax, is a generic-available osmotic laxative for occasional constipation, and it's still worth checking a polyethylene glycol coupon before you buy since prices for the same OTC product can vary by pharmacy; enter your ZIP above to see today's price near you.

What Is Polyethylene Glycol and How Does It Work?

Polyethylene glycol 3350 (often shortened to PEG 3350) is an osmotic laxative available over the counter under brand names including MiraLAX, GlycoLax, and ClearLax, as well as generic store-brand versions. It works by holding water in the stool, which softens it and increases the frequency of bowel movements. The OTC product is FDA-monograph approved for occasional constipation and irregularity, intended for use up to 7 days unless a doctor directs otherwise.

Higher-concentration versions of polyethylene glycol combined with electrolytes are also used in bowel-prep products such as GoLYTELY, NuLYTELY, TriLyte, MoviPrep, and Gavilyte, which are a different use case (cleansing the colon before a procedure) from the everyday OTC powder for occasional constipation.

How to Save on Polyethylene Glycol

Because polyethylene glycol 3350 is sold over the counter and a generic version is widely available, you don't need a prescription to buy it, but that doesn't mean every pharmacy charges the same price for the same box or bottle. A polyethylene glycol coupon can help you compare what different pharmacies near you are charging on a given day, and in some cases a prescribed version may be priced differently than the same product bought OTC, so it's worth comparing both routes.

Enter your ZIP code above to see today's price at pharmacies near you, and consider the generic or store-brand PEG 3350 alongside name brands like MiraLAX, since they use the same active ingredient.

Polyethylene Glycol vs. Other Laxatives

Polyethylene glycol isn't the only option for occasional constipation, and different laxative types work differently in the body. Lactulose and magnesium citrate are also osmotic laxatives that draw water into the bowel, similar to how PEG 3350 works. Senna and bisacodyl (the active ingredient in Dulcolax) are stimulant laxatives, which work by triggering the intestinal muscles to contract rather than by pulling in water. Docusate sodium is a stool softener that works more gently and is often used for prevention rather than for a fast bowel movement.

Which option makes sense depends on how quickly you need relief, how your body responds, and any other health conditions you have, so it's reasonable to ask a pharmacist or doctor which is the better fit if you're unsure.

Safety Information

The OTC label for polyethylene glycol 3350 does not carry a boxed warning. It does warn against using it for more than 7 days unless a doctor tells you to, and says to stop and check with a doctor if you don't have a bowel movement after use, if you notice rectal bleeding, or if new or worsening symptoms appear, since these can be signs of a more serious condition. It's not intended for children under 17 for OTC use without a doctor's guidance. Common side effects can include nausea, bloating, cramping, gas, and diarrhea. Electrolyte disturbances such as dehydration or low sodium have been reported rarely, more often with the higher-dose bowel-prep formulations or in people with kidney problems or who are also using other laxatives. People with kidney disease, a bowel obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, or a known or suspected bowel perforation should use extra caution and talk to a doctor first. This is general information, not medical advice, always read the product label and check with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific situation.