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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Polyethylene Glycol Cause Heart And Kidney Problems?

My gastrointerologist told me to take Lax-A-Day twice a day for the next 4-6 weeks. I took (1) does on Tuesday the second does on Wednesday by Thursday I had full blown diahhrea. By Friday my heart fluttered so badly my husband took me to emerg. I thought I was going to die. Now I hear that polyethylene glycol can cause heart problems, kidney problems and even alzheimers. What s your take on this. I have stopped this medication completely.
Thu, 20 Mar 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
hi,
PEG is a strong purgative. it is generally safe and the fact that it can cause side effects is mostly related to the metabolic derangements it can bring due to fluid loss from the body.
you probably developed low potassium due to full blown purgation which could have led to heart fluttering and palpitations. Your gut is too sensitive to this and you are right in stopping this.
You have less stronger alternatives like husk bran and other fiber products which will surely keep your comfort.
all the best.
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Does Polyethylene Glycol Cause Heart And Kidney Problems?

hi, PEG is a strong purgative. it is generally safe and the fact that it can cause side effects is mostly related to the metabolic derangements it can bring due to fluid loss from the body. you probably developed low potassium due to full blown purgation which could have led to heart fluttering and palpitations. Your gut is too sensitive to this and you are right in stopping this. You have less stronger alternatives like husk bran and other fiber products which will surely keep your comfort. all the best.