Potentially Harmful Interaction between Polyethylene Glycol Laxative and Starch-Based Thickeners
Adding PEG 3350 laxative to a starch-based thickened liquid will result in a drug interaction that will make the mixture thin and watery. For patients with dysphagia, this interaction creates a risk for aspiration. This has potential to be lethal, as is seen in a case reported to ISMP Canada. Xanthan-gum based thickening products do not exhibit the same interaction with PEG 3350.
Key Words:
- Thickened fluids
- Long Term Care
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