PEG

Meaning of PEG: PEG is a synthetic polymer used in medications, ointments, and laxatives, valued for its ability to hold water and extend a drug's action.

Definition of PEG

PEG, an abbreviation for polyethylene glycol, is a synthetic polymer formed by joining together repeating units derived from ethylene oxide and water. Depending on the length of the resulting molecular chain, PEG can take the form of a liquid or a waxy solid, and its properties can be adjusted by varying that chain length.

In medicine, PEG is used for several different purposes. It is a common ingredient in ointments and topical products because of its smooth texture and ability to hold moisture, and it is attached to certain drug molecules to help them remain active in the body for a longer period, a technique that can reduce how often a medication needs to be taken. Certain forms of PEG are also used as laxatives, since the polymer holds water within the intestine and helps soften stool.

Because PEG serves such different roles depending on its formulation, its presence in a particular product does not by itself indicate the product's intended use.