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Polyglycol 200 is a water-soluble, non-ionic surfactant used in various industrial and pharmaceutical applications.
Polyglycol 200 acts as a moisturizer in antiperspirants, shampoos and liquid soaps, hair styling products and bar soap.
Polyglycol 200 is used as a carrier for sodium stearate & sodium aluminum hydroxylapatite in deodorants and perfumes.
CAS Number: 25322-68-3
Molecular Formula: (C2H4O)nH2O
EINECS Number: 500-038-2
Synonyms: Reaction mass of 156065-02-0 and 25322-68-3 and 68937-54-2, 937-250-3, 1,2-ethanediol, homopolymer, 2-ethanediyl),.alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxy-Poly(oxy-1, Alcox E 160, Alcox E 30;alcoxe30, Poly(ethylene oxide), approx. M.W. 600,000, Poly(ethylene oxide), approx. M.W. 200,000, Poly(ethylene oxide), approx. M.W. 900,000
Polyglycol 200s are a family of linear polymers formed by a base-catalyzed condensation reaction with repeating ethylene oxide units being added to ethylene.
The molecular formula is (C2H4O)multH2O where mult denotes the average number of oxyethylene groups.
The molecular weight can range from 200 to several million corresponding to the number of oxyethylene groups.
The higher-molecular-weight materials (100 000 to 5 000 000) are also referred to as polyethylene oxides.
The average molecular weight of any specific polyethylene glycol product falls within quite narrow limits (°5%).
The number of ethylene oxide units or their approximate molecular weight (e.g., PEG-4 or PEG-200) commonly designates the nomenclature of specific polyethylene glycols.
Polyglycol 200s with amolecular weight less than 600 are liquid, whereas those of molecular weight 1000 and above are solid.
These materials are nonvolatile, water-soluble, tasteless, and odorless.
They are miscible with water, alcohols, esters, ketones, aromatic solvents, and chlorinated hydrocarbons, but immiscible with alkanes, paraffins, waxes, and ethers.
Polyglycol 200 is a polymer which is hydrolyzed by ethylene oxide.
Polyglycol 200 has no toxicity and irritation.
It is widely used in various pharmaceutical preparations.
The toxicity of low molecular weight polyethylene glycol is relatively large.
In general, the toxicity of diols is very low.
Topical application of polyethylene glycol, especially mucosal drug, can cause irritant pain.
In topical lotion, Polyglycol 200 can increase the flexibility of the skin, and has a similar moisturizing effect with glycerin.
Diarrhoea can occur in large doses of oral administration.
In injection, the maximum Polyglycol 200 concentration is about 30% (V/V).
Hemolysis could occur when the concentration is more than 40% (V/V).
Polyglycol 200 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer with an average molecular weight of 200 g/mol.
Polyglycol 200 functions as an outstanding solubilizer for hexachlorophene and dimethyl phthalate azulene.
Polyglycol 200 has very low water content, good biodegradability and is compatible with hard water.
Polyglycol 200 is used in toothpaste where it improves consistency and storage stability.
Polyglycol 200 can also be used in bath oils and foam baths to assist the solubilizing action of the active substances for perfum.
Polyglycol 200 has a shelf life of 2 years.
Polyglycol 200 is a liquid PEG excipient grade product, produced under IPEC GMP conditions.
Polyglycol 200 is specied according to the requirements of the main international ICH guidelines and monographs.
Polyglycol 200 is clear viscous liquid at room temperature.
Polyglycol 200 can be supplied in tank trucks or in steel drums.
Polyglycol 200's two hydroxy end groups as well as its ether groups mainly control the physical and chemical properties of Pol.
Therefore Polyglycol 200 is soluble in water and polar organic solvents like aceton or methanol.
Polyglycol 200 is insoluble in pure hydrocarbons.
Polyglycol 200 displays typical chemical reactions of alc ohols/diols.
The solidication point, of Polyglycol 200 is about 50°C.
Besides standard grade Polyglycol 200 special quality Polyglycol 200 USP with very low concentration of monoethylenglycol a diethyleneglycol for pharamaceutical applications is available.
Polyglycol 200s are made of condensed ethylene oxide and water.
They are widely used in cosmetic products as surfactants, emulsifiers, cleansing agents, humectants, and skin conditioners.
Polyglycol 200 is often used as a defoaming agent, lubricant and viscosity modifier.
It is also used as a coating for fresh fruit, as a solvent in metal working fluids, as a binder and modifier in latex paints, and as a humectant in inks and abrasives.
Polyglycol 200, Solid detergent concentrates are used in crayons and watercolors.
Polyglycol 200 is used as a humectant, wetting and dispersing agent.
Polyglycol 200 is a petroleum-based product
Polyglycol 200 is used in the manufacture of creams and ointments.
Polyglycol 200 is an ingredient used in cosmetics and hair care products.
Polyglycol 200 is used in a number of toothpastes as a dispersant.
Polyglycol 200 is also under investigation for use in body armor, and in tattoos to monitor diabetes.
Polyglycol 200 is also used as an anti-foaming agent in food and drinks.
Polyglycol 200 is also used as a polymer host for solid polymer electrolytes.
Polyglycol 200 is used as a binder in the preparation of technical ceramics.
Polyglycol 200 is used to extend the size and durability of very large soap bubbles.
Polyglycol 200 is the main ingredient in many personal lubricants.
Polyglycol 200 is the main ingredient in the paint in paintballs.
Polyglycol 200 has a wide range of potential uses.
Polyglycol 200 is also used as a coating for fresh fruit, as a solvent in metal working uids, as a binder and modier in latex paints, and as a humectant in inks and abrasives.
Polyglycol 200 is a clear, colorless liquid at room temperature, sold in both drums and isotanks.
Polyglycol 200 can be used as a structure-directing agent to synthesize iron vanadate (FeVO4) nanoparticles via coprecipitation method.
Polyglycol 200 is obtained as a result of the polymerization of ethylene oxide with water, mono ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol.
Melting point: 64-66 °C
Boiling point: >250°C
Tg: -67
Density: 1.27 g/mL at 25 °C
Bulk density: 400-500kg/m³
Vapor density: >1 (vs air)
Vapor pressure: <0.01 mm Hg (20 °C)
Refractive index: n20/D 1.469
Flash point: 270 °C
Storage temp.: 2-8°C
Solubility: H2O: 50 mg/mL, clear, colorless
Form: waxy solid
Color: White to very pale yellow
Specific Gravity: 1.128
pH: 5.5-7.0 (25℃, 50mg/mL in H2O)
Viscosity: 1,650-3,850cp (1% solution @ 25°C)
Viscosity: 11cs (99°C)
Viscosity: 4.5cs (99°C)
Viscosity: 5,500-8,000cp (1% solution @ 25°C)
Viscosity: 6cs (99°C)
Viscosity: 7.4cs (99°C)
Viscosity: 750cp (5% solution @ 25°C)
Viscosity: 75cp (5% solution @ 25°C)
Viscosity: 8,000cs (99°C)
Viscosity: 8,800-17,600cp (5% solution @ 25°C)
Viscosity: 93cs (99°C)
Biological source: synthetic (organic)
Water solubility: Soluble in water.
λmax: λ: 260 nm Amax: 0.6
λ: 280 nm Amax: 0.3
Sensitive: Hygroscopic
Merck: 14,7568
α-end: hydroxyl
Ω-end: hydroxyl
Stability: Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
LogP: -0.698 at 25℃
Surface tension: 43.5mN/m at 20°C
Polyglycol 200 is used as an intermediate in chemical synthesis.
Polyglycol 200 is used in Electroplating processes.
Polyglycol 200 is also known as polyethylene oxide (PEO) or polyoxyethylene (POE), depending on its molecular weight.
The structure of PEG is commonly expressed as H−(O−CH2−CH2)n−OH.
Polyglycol 200 is used as an excipient in many pharmaceutical products, in oral, topical, and parenteral dosage forms.
Polyglycol 200 used in medicines for treating disimpaction and maintenance therapy for children with constipation
Polyglycol 200 is commonly used as a crowding agent in in vitro assays to mimic highly crowded cellular conditions.
Polyglycol 200 is commonly used as a precipitant for plasmid DNA isolation and protein crystallization.
X-ray diraction of protein crystals can reveal the atomic structure of the proteins.
Polyglycol 200 is the basis of many skin creams (as cetomacrogol) and personal lubricants (frequently combined with glycerin).
Polyglycol 200, commonly known as PEG 200, is a highly adaptable and stable product that is essential in many diverse industries for its lubricating and hydrating properties.
It is a key component in many different applications including industrial, lubricants, adhesives, pharmaceuticals and personal care products.
Polyglycol 200 as being an addition polymer of ethylene oxide and water.
Polyglycol 200 are liquids; grades 1000 and above are solids at ambient temperatures.
Liquid grades (PEG 200–600) occur as clear, colorless or slightly yellow-colored, viscous liquids.
They have a slight but characteristic odor and a bitter, slightly burning taste.
Polyglycol 200 can occur as a solid at ambient temperatures.
Solid grades (PEG>1000) are white or off-white in color, and range in consistency from pastes to waxy flakes.
Grades of Polyglycol 200 and above are available as freeflowing milled powders.
Any of several condensa-tion polymers of ethylene glycol with thegeneral formula HOCH2(CH2OCH2)nCH2OH orH(OCH2CH2)nOH.
Average molecular weightsrange from 200 to 6000 properties vary with molec-ular weight.
A structure-directing agent to synthesize iron vanadate (FeVO4) nanoparticles via co-precipitation method.
An organic additive to prepare crystalline nanorods of calcium tungstate (CaWO4) using calcium chloride and sodium tungstate via solvothermal process.
A surface modifier in the synthesis of calcium peroxide nanoparticles using CaCl2 as a precursor via hydrolysis-precipitation method.
A green solvent in combination with H2O in the preparation of 4-sulfanylcoumarins by sulfanylation of 4-tosyloxycoumarins with thiourea and alkyl halides.
The ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide is readily effected by a variety of ionic reagents and several types of polymer have been prepared.
For commercial purposes, poly(ethylene oxide)s of low molecular weight and of very high molecular weight are of interest.
Polyglycol 200s of low molecular weight, i.e. below about 3000, are generally prepared by passing ethylene oxide into ethylene glycol at 120-150C and about 0.3 MPa (3 atmospheres) pressure, using an alkaline initiator such as sodium hydroxide.
Anionic polymerization proceeds according to the following scheme:
The polymers produced by these methods are thus terminated mainly by hydroxy groups (a few unsaturated end-groups are also formed) and are often referred to as poly(ethylene glycol)s.
Polyglycol 200s with molecular weights in the range 200-600 are viscous liquids which find use as surfactants in inks and paints and as humectants.
At molecular weights above about 600, poly(ethylene glycol)s are low-melting waxy solids, uses of which include pharmaceutical and cosmetic bases, lubricants and mould release agents.
It may be noted that homogeneous cationic polymerization of ethylene oxide also generally leads to low molecular weight products; typical initiators include aluminium chloride, boron trifluoride and titanium tetrachloride.
Systems of this type are not utilized on a commercial scale.
Polyglycol 200s of molecular weight ranging from about 100000 to 5 x 106 and above are available.
Details of the techniques used to manufacture these polymers have not been disclosed, but the essential feature is the use of (generally) heterogeneous initiator systems.
Effective initiators are mainly of two types, namely alkaline earth compounds (e.g. carbonates and oxides of calcium, barium and strontium) and organometallic compounds (e.g. aluminium and zinc alkyls and alkoxides, commonly with added coinitiators).
The precise modes of action of these initiators have not, as yet, been fully resolved.
However, Polyglycol 200 is now generally thought that polymerization occurs through a co-ordinated anionic mechanism, in which the ethylene oxide is coordinated to the initiator through an unshared electron pair on the oxirane oxygen atom.
Unlike the low molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide)s, the high molecular weight polymers are tough and extensible.
They are highly crystalline, with a melting point of 66??C.
Unlike most water-soluble polymers, the high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide)s may be melt processed; they may be injection moulded, extruded and calendered without difficulty.
Polyglycol 200s are soluble in an unusually broad range of solvents, which includes water; chlorinated hydrocarbons such as carbon tetrachloride and methylene dichloride; aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene and toluene; ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; and alcohols such as methanol and isopropanol.
There is an upper temperature limit of solubility in water for the high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide)s; this varies with concentration and molecular weight but is usually between 90 and 100??C.
Water-solubility is due to the ability of the polyether to form hydrogen bonds with water; these bonds are broken when the temperature is raised, restoring the anhydrous polymer which is precipated from the solution.
High molecular weight Polyglycol 200s find use as water-soluble packaging films and capsules for such products as laundry powders, colour concentrates, tablets and seeds.
In solution, the polymers are used as thickeners in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations, textile sizes and latex stabilizers.
Polyglycol 200 was obtained by polymerization of ethylene oxide in an autoclave at 80-100°C using as a catalyst dipotassium alcogolate of polyethylene glycol 400.
Dipotassium alcogolate of polyethylene glycol 400 was synthesized by a heating of the dry mixture of polyethylene glycol 400 and potassium hydroxide.
The molecular weight of polymer was regulated by the ratio of monomer:catalyst.
Polyglycol 200 is heat-stable and inert to many chemical agents; Poly(ethylene glycol) will not hydrolyze or deteriorate under normal conditions.
Polyglycol 200 has a solvent action on some plastics.
Many years of human experience in the workplace and in the use of consumer products containing polyethylene glycols have not shown any adverse health effects, except in situations where very high doses are administered to hypersusceptible individuals or persons with underlying diseases.
The chemical reactivity of polyethylene glycols is mainly confined to the two terminal hydroxyl groups, which can be either esterified or etherified.
However, all grades can exhibit some oxidizing activity owing to the presence of peroxide impurities and secondary products formed by autoxidation.
Liquid and solid polyethylene glycol grades may be incompatible with some coloring agents.
The antibacterial activity of certain antibiotics is reduced in polyethylene glycol bases, particularly that of penicillin and bacitracin.
The preservative efficacy of the parabens may also be impaired owing to binding with Polyglycol 200.
Physical effects caused by polyethylene glycol bases include softening and liquefaction in mixtures with phenol, tannic acid, and salicylic acid.
Discoloration of sulfonamides and dithranol can also occur, and sorbitol may be precipitated from mixtures.
Plastics, such as polyethylene, phenolformaldehyde, polyvinyl chloride, and cellulose-ester membranes (in filters) may be softened or dissolved by polyethylene glycols.
Migration of polyethylene glycol can occur from tablet film coatings, leading to interaction with core components.
Uses Of Polyglycol 200:
Polyglycol 200 molecules of approximately 2000 monomers. Poly(ethylene Glycol) is used in various applications from industrial chemistry to biological chemistry.
Recent research has shown PEG m aintains the ability to aid the spinal cord injury recovery process, helping the nerve impulse conduction process in animals.
In rats, it has been shown to aid in the repair of severed sciatic axons, helping with nerve damage recovery.
Polyglycol 200 is industrially produced as a lubricating substance for various surfaces to reduce friction.
Polyglycol 200 is also used in the preparation of vesicle transport systems in with application towards diagnostic procedures or drug delivery methods.
Polyglycol 200 is a binder, coating agent, dispersing agent, flavoring adjuvant, and plasticizing agent that is a clear, colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid resembling paraffin (white, waxy, or flakes), with a ph of 4.0–7.5 in 1:20 concentration.
Polyglycol 200 is soluble in water (mw 1,000) and many organic solvents.
Polyglycol 200 is a binder, solvent, plasticizing agent, and softener widely used for cosmetic cream bases and pharmaceutical ointments.
Polyglycol 200s are quite humectant up to a molecular weight of 500 beyond this weight, their water uptake diminishes.
Polyglycol 200 is used as a dough thickener in the textile industry.
They can be used as solvent and dispersant media in the paint and ceramic industry.
Polyglycol 200 is used as a solvent and dispersant.
Polyglycol 200 is used as a viscosity adjuster.
Polyglycol 200 is used in the Rubber industry.
Polyglycol 200 is used as a plasticizer, dehumidier and impregnation agent.
Polyglycol 200 is used as a lubricant and a mold release agent.
Polyglycol 200 is used as an intermediate in chemical synthesis.
Polyglycol 200 is used in Electroplating processes.
Used in conjunction with carbon black to form a conductive composite.
Polymer nanospheres of poly(ethylene glycol) were used for drug delivery.
Polyglycol 200 is also known as polyoxirane (PEO).
Polyglycol 200 is a linear polyether obtained by ring opening polymerization of ethylene oxide.
The main uses in the field of biomedicine are as follows: Contact lens liquid.
The viscosity of Polyglycol 200 solution is sensitive to the shear rate and it is not easy for bacteria to grow on polyethylene glycol.
The condensation polymer of ethylene oxide and water.
Polyglycol 200 is a cream matrix for preparing water-soluble drugs.
Polyglycol 200 can also be used as a solvent for acetylsalicylic acid and caffeine, which is difficult to dissolve in water.
Drug sustained-release and immobilized enzyme carrier.
The polyethylene glycol solution is applied to the outer layer of the pill to control the diffusion of drugs in the pill so as to improve the efficacy.
Surface modification of medical polymer materials.
The biocompatibility of medical polymer materials in contact with blood can be improved by adsorption, interception and grafting of two amphiphilic copolymers containing polyethylene glycol on the surface of medical polymers.
Polyglycol 200 can make the membrane of the alkanol contraceptive pill.
It can make hydrophilic anticoagulant polyurethane.
Polyglycol 200 is an osmotic laxative.
It can increase osmotic pressure and absorb moisture in the intestinal cavity, which makes the stool soften and increase in volume, resulting in bowel movement and defecation.
Polyglycol 200 nontoxic and gelatinous nature can be used as a component of denture fixer.
Polyglycol 200 and PEG 6000 are commonly used to promote cell fusion or protoplast fusion and help organisms (such as yeasts) to take DNA in transformation.
Polyglycol 200 absorbs water from the solution, so it is also used to concentrate the solution.
Polyglycol 200 are widely used in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations, including parenteral, topical, ophthalmic, oral, and rectal preparations.
Polyglycol 200 has been used experimentally in biodegradable polymeric matrices used in controlled-release systems.
Polyglycol 200s are stable, hydrophilic substances that are essentially nonirritant to the skin; They do not readily penetrate the skin, although the polyethylene glycols are water-soluble and are easily removed from the skin by washing, making them useful as ointment bases.Solid grades are generally employed in topical ointments, with the consistency of the base being adjusted by the addition of liquid grades of polyethylene glycol.
Mixtures of Polyglycol 200s can be used as suppository bases,for which they have many advantages over fats.
For example, the melting point of the suppository can be made higher to withstand exposure to warmer climates; release of the drug is not dependent upon melting point; the physical stability on storage is better; and suppositories are readily miscible with rectal fluids.
Polyglycol 200s have the following disadvantages: they are chemically more reactive than fats; greater care is needed in processing to avoid inelegant contraction holes in the suppositories; the rate of release of water-soluble medications decreases with the increasing molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol; and polyethylene glycols tend to be more irritating to mucous membranes than fats.
Aqueous Polyglycol 200 solutions can be used either as suspending agents or to adjust the viscosity and consistency of other suspending vehicles.
When used in conjunction with other emulsifiers, polyethylene glycols can act as emulsion stabilizers.
Liquid Polyglycol 200s are used as water-miscible solvents for the contents of soft gelatin capsules.
However, they may cause hardening of the capsule shell by preferential absorption of moisture from gelatin in the shell.
In concentrations up to approximately 30% v/v, Polyglycol 200 and PEG 400 have been used as the vehicle for parenteral dosage forms.
In solid-dosage formulations, higher-molecular-weight polyethylene glycols can enhance the effectiveness of tablet binders and impart plasticity to granules.
However, they have only limited binding action when used alone, and can prolong disintegration if present in concentrations greater than 5% w/w.
When used for thermoplastic granulations,a mixture of the powdered constituents with 10–15% w/w PEG 6000 is heated to 70–75°C.
The mass becomes pastelike and forms granules if stirred while cooling.
This technique is useful for the preparation of dosage forms such as lozenges when prolonged disintegration is required.
Polyglycol 200 can also be used to enhance the aqueous solubility or dissolution characteristics of poorly soluble compounds by making solid dispersions with an appropriate polyethylene glycol.
Animal studies have also been performed using polyethylene glycols as solvents for steroids in osmotic pumps.
In film coatings, solid grades of polyethylene glycol can be used alone for the film-coating of tablets or can be useful as hydrophilic polishing materials.
Solid grades are also widely used as plasticizers in conjunction with film-forming polymers.
The presence of polyethylene glycols in film coats, especially of liquid grades, tends to increase their water permeability and may reduce protection against low pH in enteric-coating films.
Polyethylene glycols are useful as plasticizers in microencapsulated products to avoid rupture of the coating film when the microcapsules are compressed into tablets.
Polyethylene glycol grades with molecular weights of 6000 and above can be used as lubricants, particularly for soluble tablets.
The lubricant action is not as good as that of magnesium stearate, and stickiness may develop if the material becomes too warm during compression.
An antiadherent effect is also exerted, again subject to the avoidance of overheating.
Polyethylene glycols have been used in the preparation of urethane hydrogels, which are used as controlled-release agents.
Polyglycol 200 has also been used in insulin-loaded microparticles for the oral delivery of insulin;it has been used in inhalation preparations to improve aerosolization;polyethylene glycol nanoparticles have been used to improve the oral bioavailability of cyclosporine;it has been used in self-assembled polymeric nanoparticles as a drug carrier;and copolymer networks of polyethylene glycol grafted with poly(methacrylic acid) have been used as bioadhesive controlled drug delivery formulations.
It is commonly used as a base fluid in metalworking applications, hydraulic fluids, and heat transfer fluids, where it helps reduce friction, wear, and overheating in mechanical systems.
Its ability to form a stable lubricating film makes it suitable for various industrial and automotive applications.
In the pharmaceutical industry, Polyglycol 200 is frequently used as a solubilizer, humectant, or excipient in oral, topical, and injectable drug formulations, ensuring proper drug dispersion and absorption.
In cosmetics and personal care products, Polyglycol 200 is used in creams, lotions, and shampoos to improve texture, moisture retention, and the overall sensory experience.
The textile industry utilizes Polyglycol 200 as an anti-static agent, lubricant, and softener, helping to enhance the feel and durability of fabrics.
In leather processing, it is used to improve the flexibility and smoothness of leather products.
Polyglycol 200 is often incorporated into pesticide formulations as a dispersant or solubilizer, ensuring even distribution of active ingredients on crops and improving the effectiveness of agricultural chemicals.
Due to its plasticizing properties, Polyglycol 200 is used to modify the flexibility and workability of plastics and rubber materials.
It also functions as a mold-release agent, preventing products from sticking to molds during the manufacturing process.
In paints and coatings, Polyglycol 200 enhances dispersion and flow properties, leading to a smoother and more uniform application.
It also improves adhesion in various adhesive formulations, ensuring better bonding between surfaces.
Storage Of Polyglycol 200:
Polyglycol 200s are chemically stable in air and in solution, although grades with a molecular weight less than 2000 are hygroscopic.
Polyglycol 200s do not support microbial growth, and they do not become rancid.
Polyethylene glycols and aqueous polyethylene glycol solutions can be sterilized by autoclaving, filtration, or gamma irradiation.
Sterilization of solid grades by dry heat at 150℃ for 1 hour may induce oxidation, darkening, and the formation of acidic degradation products.
Ideally, sterilization should be carried out in an inert atmosphere.
Oxidation of polyethylene glycols may also be inhibited by the inclusion of a suitable antioxidant.
If heated tanks are used to maintain normally solid Polyglycol 200 in a molten state, care must be taken to avoid contamination with iron, which can lead to discoloration.
The temperature must be kept to the minimum necessary to ensure fluidity; oxidation may occur if polyethylene glycols are exposed for long periods to temperatures exceeding 50℃.
However, storage under nitrogen reduces the possibility of oxidation.
Polyglycol 200s should be stored in well-closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Stainless steel, aluminum, glass, or lined steel containers are preferred for the storage of liquid grades.
Safety Profile Of Polyglycol 200:
When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Polyglycol 200s are widely used in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations.
Generally, they are regarded as nontoxic and nonirritant materials.
Adverse reactions to Polyglycol 200 have been reported, the greatest toxicity being with glycols of low molecular weight.
However, the toxicity of glycols is relatively low.
Polyglycol 200 administered topically may cause stinging, especially when applied to mucous membranes.
Hypersensitivity reactions to Polyglycol 200 applied topically have also been reported, including urticaria and delayed allergic reactions.
The most serious adverse effects associated with Polyglycol 200 are hyperosmolarity, metabolic acidosis, and renal failure following the topical use of polyethylene glycols in burn patients.
Topical preparations containing polyethylene glycols should therefore be used cautiously in patients with renal failure, extensive burns, or open wounds.
Oral administration of large quantities of Polyglycol 200 can have a laxative effect.
Therapeutically, up to 4 L of an aqueous mixture of electrolytes and high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol is consumed by patients undergoing bowel cleansing.
Liquid polyethylene glycols may be absorbed when taken orally, but the higher-molecular-weight polyethylene glycols are not significantly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Absorbed Polyglycol 200 is excreted largely unchanged in the urine, although polyethylene glycols of low molecular weight may be partially metabolized.
The WHO has set an estimated acceptable daily intake of polyethylene glycols at up to 10 mg/kg body-weight.
In parenteral products, the maximum recommended concentration of Polyglycol 200 is approximately 30% v/v as hemolytic effects have been observed at concentrations greater than about 40% v/v.
