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Important: This site presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A report does not mean the drug caused the event. Full disclaimer.

POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400: 154 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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154
Total FAERS Reports
18 (11.7%)
Deaths Reported
18
Hospitalizations
154
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
14
Life-Threatening
16
Disabilities
Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
Manufacturer

Route: OPHTHALMIC · Manufacturer: Alcon Laboratories, Inc. · HUMAN OTC DRUG · FDA Label: Available

First Report: 20010725 · Latest Report: 20250901

What Are the Most Common POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Eye irritation
42 reports (27.3%)
#2 Most Reported
Vision blurred
37 reports (24.0%)
#3 Most Reported
Drug ineffective
19 reports (12.3%)

All POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Eye irritation 42 27.3% 0 1
Vision blurred 37 24.0% 1 2
Drug ineffective 19 12.3% 2 2
Ocular hyperaemia 16 10.4% 0 0
Condition aggravated 11 7.1% 6 5
Eye pain 10 6.5% 0 0
Headache 9 5.8% 0 2
Off label use 9 5.8% 7 6
Constipation 8 5.2% 6 5
Eye pruritus 8 5.2% 0 0
Nausea 8 5.2% 6 5
Visual impairment 8 5.2% 0 2
Abdominal distension 7 4.6% 6 5
Abdominal pain 7 4.6% 6 5
Anaemia 7 4.6% 7 5
Bacterial infection 7 4.6% 7 5
Diabetes mellitus 7 4.6% 7 5
Drug hypersensitivity 7 4.6% 6 5
Dyspnoea 7 4.6% 7 5
Hypersensitivity 7 4.6% 0 0

Who Reports POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 38.7% female, 61.3% male. Average age: 75.6 years. Most reports from: CA. View detailed demographics →

Is POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2001 1 0 1
2014 5 0 1
2015 35 0 0
2016 12 0 0
2017 4 0 0
2018 3 0 0
2019 3 0 0
2020 9 7 7
2021 2 0 0
2022 2 0 0
2023 5 0 0
2024 7 0 0
2025 9 0 1

View full timeline →

What Is POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 Used For?

IndicationReports
Dry eye 93
Product used for unknown indication 21
Constipation 18

POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 vs POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 4000 POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 vs POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400\PROPYLENE GLYCOL POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 vs POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL\POTASSIUM\SODIUM BICARBONATE POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 vs POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL\POTASSIUM\SODIUM BICARBONATE\SODIUM POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 vs POLYETHYLENE GLYCOLS POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 vs POLYMYXIN B POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 vs POLYMYXIN B\TRIMETHOPRIM POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 vs POLYVINYL ALCOHOL\POVIDONE POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 vs POMALIDOMIDE POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400 vs POMALYST

Official FDA Label for POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 400

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

Uses for the temporary relief of burning, irritation, and discomfort due to dryness of the eye or exposure to wind or sun for use as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye for use as a lubricant to prevent further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye.

Dosage & Administration

Directions shake well before using put 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed see side of carton for directions for use

Directions for Use: Hold the bottle just below the cap and twist the cap to open. BEFORE FIRST USE , hold the bottle upside down and dispense one drop of product to discard. Shake the bottle downward to remove residual product (see picture).

Place

1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed and blink. After use, shake the bottle downward to remove residual product that may be left on the tip (see picture above). Replace cap after use.

Discard

90 days after opening.

Warnings

Warnings For external use only. Ask a doctor before use Ask a doctor before use if you have narrow angle glaucoma. When using this product When using this product pupils may become enlarged temporarily overuse may cause more eye redness remove contact lenses before using replace cap after each use do not use if this solution changes color or becomes cloudy do not touch tip of container to any surface to avoid contamination Stop use and ask a doctor if Stop use and ask a doctor if you feel eye pain redness or irritation of the eye lasts changes in vision occur condition worsens or lasts more than 72 hours If pregnant or breast-feeding If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Active Ingredient

Drug Facts Active ingredients Purpose Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4%....................... Eye lubricant Propylene Glycol 0.3%....................................Eye lubricant

Inactive Ingredients

Inactive ingredients aminomethylpropanol, boric acid, edetate disodium, hydroxypropyl guar, POLYQUAD ® (polyquaternium-1) 0.001% preservative, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sorbitol and purified water. May contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.