Transipeg 5,9

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Transipeg 5,9

Method of action: Laxative

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Transipeg 5,9

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Macrogol 3350
Form Powder for oral solution
Pharmacological Class Osmotic Laxative
Common Use (General) Facilitates bowel movement
Origin Synthetic polymer (Polyethylene glycol)

What Type of Medicine is Transipeg 5,9?

Transipeg 5,9 is a medicinal preparation classified as an osmotic laxative, a pharmaceutical category used to manage difficulty in passing stool. The product is supplied as a powder for oral solution in individual sachets, intended for consumption after dissolution in water. The value, 5.9 g, precisely denotes the amount of the active substance within each single unit dose. Macrogol is classified within the group for laxatives under the code A06AD15.

The product is defined by its physical mechanism of action, distinguishing it from stimulant laxatives which actively trigger muscle contractions in the colon. Macrogol preparations are recognized as effective choices for managing chronic constipation. Its unique formulation, including electrolytes, is designed to create an iso-osmotic solution, a differentiating factor intended to reduce the risk of fluid and electrolyte shifts, which is often clinically important for continuous use.


What is Macrogol 3350, the Active Ingredient?

The core component in Transipeg 5,9 is Macrogol 3350, the established International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for the synthetic polymer also known as Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350. Macrogol is a chemically inert compound characterized by its high molecular mass.

As a synthetic polymer, Macrogol 3350 is not metabolized, broken down, or absorbed into the systemic circulation after ingestion, with its therapeutic action strictly confined to the gastrointestinal tract. This compound functions by increasing the water content of the stool mass to achieve its therapeutic effect. The Macrogol 3350 formulation is broadly used in medicine, characterized by its efficacy and safety profile across various patient groups.


What is the General Purpose of an Osmotic Laxative?

The general purpose derived from the osmotic action of Transipeg 5,9 is the physical facilitation of bowel movements by promoting softer, better-hydrated stool. The medication's core principle relies on Macrogol 3350 retaining water within the intestinal lumen. This mechanism prevents the body from reabsorbing this water, which in turn leads to the hydration and subsequent softening of the stool mass while increasing its volume. This action allows the product to help relieve the difficulty and discomfort associated with hard, infrequent stools, supporting a return to comfortable and regular emptying of the colon without stimulating the intestinal muscles.

Regulatory References

  1. NICE guidelines on chronic constipation

What side effects are possible with Transipeg 5,9?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

This section describes the officially documented adverse reactions and safety characteristics of Macrogol 3350, the active ingredient in Transipeg 5,9, based strictly on authoritative government regulatory documents.


Officially Documented Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions are classified by their frequency according to regulatory standards (e.g., EMA/ICH frequency bands). The safety profile is predominantly characterized by effects localized to the gastrointestinal tract, consistent with the drug’s non-absorbed, osmotic action.

Classification Examples of Reactions (System-Organ Classes Involved)
Common (May affect up to 1 in 10 people) Abdominal pain, bloating (distension), flatulence, nausea, diarrhea (Gastrointestinal disorders)
Uncommon (May affect up to 1 in 100 people) Vomiting, urge to defaecate (Gastrointestinal disorders)
Rare (May affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) Hypersensitivity reactions, rash, urticaria (Immune system / Skin disorders)

Serious Reactions and Safety Constraints

The official labeling documents rare but clinically significant systemic reactions, categorized as serious adverse events. It also defines explicit conditions under which the medicine must not be used.

Serious Adverse Reactions: The rare hypersensitivity category includes severe reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema, which involve the Immune system and Skin disorders.

Time-Related Safety Patterns: Gastrointestinal effects like diarrhea and abdominal discomfort are officially noted as being more frequently observed at the start of treatment or during dose escalation.

Safety Restrictions (Contraindications): Use of Macrogol 3350 is constrained in the presence of severe pre-existing digestive conditions. These include known or suspected perforation of the digestive tract, intestinal obstruction (ileus), toxic megacolon, and severe inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help — Official Regulatory Information for Transipeg 5,9 (Macrogol 3350)

The official regulatory profile for Macrogol 3350 overdose is defined by the progression of symptoms resulting from excessive ingestion and subsequent fluid loss.

Element Official Regulatory Statement
Documented Overdose Manifestations Primarily presents with severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain, severe abdominal distension, vomiting, and thirst.
Serious Outcomes Potential for dehydration and significant electrolyte disturbances. Severe outcomes linked to these imbalances include seizure, confusion, cardiac arrhythmias, and possible renal impairment.
Population-Specific Notes The elderly and individuals with impaired renal or hepatic function are at a heightened risk for developing serious electrolyte disorders following extensive diarrhoea and may require an electrolytic check-up.
Immediate Actions Consult a doctor or poison control center immediately upon suspected overdose. Call emergency services if the individual is collapsed, seizing, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened.

Treatment is strictly supportive and symptomatic; no specific antidote is known. Management focuses on the correction of documented electrolyte disturbances and fluid replacement. Regulatory instructions note that temporary interruption or dose reduction is required for self-limiting diarrhoea, and procedural steps like nasogastric aspiration may be used for severe distension or pain. These actions address the direct physiological consequences documented by regulatory authorities.

Therapeutic Uses of Transipeg 5,9

Transipeg 5,9 is an established therapeutic option indicated for the symptomatic management of various forms of constipation. Its primary benefit is to support normal bowel function by aiding the passage of stools and providing relief from associated discomfort. The medication is used to address both occasional, short-term episodes and the long-term management of chronic constipation. Specific indications include helping to soften hard stools and support regularity when bowel movements are infrequent. It may be considered for use in clinical scenarios where difficult stool passage is a factor, such as following surgical procedures or when managing concurrent medications known to cause constipation.


Quick Fact: Relief for Hard Stools and Infrequent Bowel Movements

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who Can and Cannot Use Transipeg 5,9?

Eligibility for Transipeg 5,9 (Macrogol 3350 with electrolytes) is strictly defined by regulatory documents, focusing primarily on the patient's existing gastrointestinal condition and age.

Contraindicated Populations

Use of this medicine is contraindicated (explicitly prohibited) in patients who have certain severe acute gastrointestinal conditions, including intestinal obstruction (ileus), known or suspected perforation of the digestive tract, or toxic megacolon.

It must also not be used by individuals with severe inflammatory bowel diseases (such as severe ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) or a known hypersensitivity to Macrogol 3350 or any excipient.

Age and Physiological Status

Population Group Official Eligibility Status
Adults and Older Adults Permitted; no dose adjustment is typically required for older adults.
Children Not recommended for children below a certain age threshold (e.g., 8 or 12 years), depending on the specific formulation's license.
Pregnancy and Lactation Permitted. Use is allowed as the systemic absorption of Macrogol 3350 is negligible.

Condition-Based Considerations

Use is generally permitted in patients with renal or hepatic impairment because the medicine is not absorbed systemically. However, caution is advised due to the potential for fluid or electrolyte imbalances, especially if the patient is dehydrated or develops severe diarrhea.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official interaction profile for Transipeg 5,9 is strictly defined by the non-systemic nature of Macrogol 3350, leading to the exclusion of metabolic and transporter-mediated drug interactions involving systems like CYP enzymes. The documented risks center on local gastrointestinal effects and additive pharmacodynamic actions.

Due to the medication's effect of accelerating intestinal transit, a risk exists that the systemic absorption of all other oral medicinal products may be transiently reduced. Regulatory documents acknowledge isolated reports of decreased efficacy for specific co-administered drugs, including anti-epileptics and anti-coagulants. To mitigate this, a mandatory timing rule states that other oral medicines should not be taken within one hour before and one hour after the administration of the Macrogol preparation.

A crucial physical incompatibility restriction exists regarding starch-based food thickeners. Regulatory warnings advise against combining the product with starch thickeners for patients with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), as the interaction causes liquefaction and poses an associated aspiration risk.

Finally, an additive pharmacodynamic risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalance is officially noted when the product is used concurrently with diuretics. This caution applies particularly to the elderly and patients with impaired hepatic or renal function due to heightened vulnerability to electrolyte shifts.

Mechanism of Action

How Transipeg 5,9 Works

Osmotic Retention and Fecal Volume Modification

The core action involves the polymer Macrogol 3350 utilizing its hydrophilic nature to physically bind and sequester water molecules via hydrogen bonding within the colonic contents. This sequestration generates an osmotic gradient that inhibits the passive reabsorption of fluid across the colon wall. This mechanism directly results in an increase in stool volume, hydration, and softness (fecal rheology).


️ Indirect Stimulation of Colonic Motility

The formation of a bulkier, softer fecal mass acts as a mechanical stimulus by distending the colon wall. This physical stretching is the key event that triggers the colon’s intrinsic peristaltic reflex, which initiates the propulsive movements of the colonic contents. The action is an indirect modulation of motility, distinct from direct muscular stimulation.


️ Homeostatic Protection via Iso-Osmotic Balance

The product includes balanced electrolytes to create an iso-osmotic solution. This synergistic formulation ensures that the osmotic action of Macrogol 3350 operates without drawing excessive fluid or plasma electrolytes from the body's circulation into the gut lumen. This mechanism contributes to the preservation of systemic fluid and electrolyte homeostasis.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Transipeg 5,9

The usage of Transipeg 5,9 follows established instructions for administration, focusing on the route, preparation, dosing schedule, and duration.

Administration Scope

Parameter Official Instruction
Route of Administration Oral, after reconstitution.
Dosing Schedule The usual adult dose is 1 to 2 sachets (5.9 g) daily. The maximum dose is up to 4 sachets (5.9 g) per day, if required for therapeutic effect.
Timing & Food Relationship The daily dose is taken in one single intake, preferably in the morning, and can be taken with or without food.
Preparation Requirements Each sachet must be dissolved completely in 100 mL of water (approximately half a glass) just prior to oral administration. The solution should be taken promptly after reconstitution.
Population-Specific Rules No dosage adjustment is necessary for older adults or for patients with renal impairment.
Duration Principle A course of treatment for chronic use typically does not normally exceed 2 weeks, although it can be repeated if required.
Missed Dose Rule If a dose is forgotten, it is typically taken as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, in which case the missed dose is omitted.

These instructions establish the standardized protocol: the powder is dissolved in a set volume of water and consumed orally once daily, ideally in the morning. This protocol defines the dose range and duration, confirming that key demographic groups like older adults do not require initial dosage modification based on age or kidney function. The total daily intake is not typically split into multiple doses.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Recent Clinical Evidence

Mechanism of Action and Initial Efficacy

Research indicates that the active ingredient, Macrogol 3350, is thought to act as an osmotic laxative, increasing the water content in the stool. This proposed mechanism of action has been the focus of research to determine the compound's properties.

Initial studies examined measures related to stool frequency and consistency in individuals with constipation. These trials generally focused on understanding initial usage characteristics and the tolerability profile over short durations.

Clinical Trial Findings

Constipation in Adults

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to evaluate the use of Macrogol 3350 for chronic constipation in adults. These studies measured increases in the number of weekly bowel movements and improvements in stool consistency, often using the Bristol Stool Form Scale as a measurement tool. Across multiple investigations, findings related to changes in these measures were reported over treatment periods ranging from two to four weeks.

Comparison to Other Treatments

Comparative trials explored data related to Macrogol 3350 and other common laxatives. These studies generally evaluated patient-reported outcomes related to comfort and effectiveness over periods of up to three months.

Tolerability Profile Research

Safety trials investigated the drug's tolerability in various adult populations. Common adverse events reported in the studies were generally mild, including abdominal discomfort, bloating, or mild diarrhea.

Ongoing Research

Research is ongoing to investigate appropriate usage levels, particularly for long-term use. Long-term data concerning the compound, specifically beyond one year of use, remain a focus of ongoing research.

Key Studies & References

  1. Use of polyethylene glycol in functional constipation and fecal impaction (Digestive Diseases and Sciences Review)
  2. NICE Quality statement 2: First-line treatment with laxatives | Constipation in children and young people (Guideline QS62)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Transipeg 5,9 (FAQ)

Q: How quickly should Transipeg 5,9 start to work?

According to official patient information, the active ingredient, Macrogol, typically takes 1 to 2 days to produce a full bowel movement. Regulatory information suggests seeking advice if relief is not obtained after a few days.


Q: Does Transipeg 5,9 interact with common pain relievers?

The official product information notes that Macrogol preparations have the potential to transiently reduce the systemic absorption of all other oral medicinal products. Regulatory documents define a timing rule where other oral medicines should not be administered within one hour before and one hour after the Macrogol preparation.


Q: Are there any known issues with taking Transipeg 5,9 with blood pressure medicine?

Regulatory warnings indicate a risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalance when this product is used at the same time as certain medications, such as diuretics (a type of blood pressure medicine). This caution is particularly relevant for older adults or those who have impaired liver or kidney function. These potential risks are part of the safety considerations outlined in the official product information.


Q: Can children or adolescents use Transipeg 5,9?

Transipeg 5,9 is indicated for use in adults to treat constipation. While other formulations of Macrogol are well-studied and authorized for use in children for functional constipation, those products typically have specific, lower doses and age restrictions (e.g., from 2 to 11 years of age).


Q: Does Transipeg 5,9 have any long-term effects on bowel function?

The treatment course for standard constipation does not normally exceed 2 weeks. Macrogol is an osmotic agent that works physically in the gut and is not absorbed. Official medical consensus suggests that, unlike some other types of laxatives, Macrogol is not generally associated with causing dependency or damaging the colon over long periods of medically supervised use.


Q: Are there certain foods or drinks that should be avoided when using Transipeg 5,9?

A specific regulatory restriction exists concerning starch-based food thickeners. The official interaction profile describes a restriction against combining this product with starch thickeners in patients with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), as the combination can lead to liquefaction and create an aspiration risk.


Q: Do I need to change my diet while using Transipeg 5,9?

No mandatory diet change is required for the medicine to work, as the product functions via an osmotic mechanism. However, patient information often includes increasing fiber and fluid intake as a general, supportive measure when managing constipation.


Q: What kind of warning signs should prompt me to stop taking Transipeg 5,9?

Regulatory documents specify that immediate discontinuation and medical consultation are required if certain signs are experienced. These include signs of a serious allergic reaction (such as a rash, or swelling of the face or tongue) or symptoms indicating significant fluid or electrolyte shifts (such as increasing fatigue, severe diarrhea, or dehydration).


Q: Why do official documents state a certain time limit for its use?

The 2-week time limit is part of the authorized treatment schedule for acute or symptomatic constipation. As a general principle for all laxatives, prolonged or continuous use is typically reserved for situations that require medical supervision.


Q: Is it okay to take other supplements while on Transipeg 5,9?

The risk of transiently reduced absorption applies generally to all oral products, including most vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. The timing rule detailed in the official product information recommends maintaining a one-hour gap between taking Transipeg 5,9 and any other oral supplement.


Q: Does Transipeg 5,9 contain any sugar or sweeteners?

Official excipient lists confirm that Transipeg 5,9 contains sucrose (a sugar) and aspartame (a sweetener). This information is important for individuals managing sugar intake, such as those with diabetes.


Q: Can I take Transipeg 5,9 if I have diabetes?

The product contains sucrose (a sugar), which is relevant to blood glucose management. Individuals managing blood glucose are advised to note the sugar content, as regulatory documentation does not list diabetes as a contraindication but the component is relevant to disease management.


Q: Is Transipeg 5,9 available over the counter?

The regulatory status of Macrogol 3350 with electrolytes varies by country and dose. Some preparations require a prescription, while others may be available directly from a pharmacist or over the counter. Information regarding the specific dispensing status of Transipeg 5,9 in a particular region is found on local packaging or through a pharmacist.


Q: Can Transipeg 5,9 cause dependency if used for a long time?

Macrogol is an osmotic laxative that works physically by retaining water in the gut and is not absorbed into the body. Therefore, medical literature based on regulatory principles indicates it is not generally associated with causing physical dependency or habituation, unlike some stimulant laxatives.


Q: What happens if a person takes more Transipeg 5,9 than recommended?

Taking more than the recommended amount may lead to severe diarrhea, which is the most common symptom of an overdose. This effect typically resolves by stopping the treatment or reducing the dose. However, in instances of excessive fluid loss, regulatory information notes that correction of any resulting electrolyte imbalance may be necessary.


Q: Does Transipeg 5,9 have a noticeable taste?

Yes, Transipeg 5,9 is formulated with a lemon flavoring. Some patient information indicates that if the taste is not preferable, the solution has been noted as compatible with other cold flavored drinks, such as fruit juice.


Q: Is Transipeg 5,9 safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance?

While the product contains electrolytes and Macrogol 3350, similar formulations of Macrogol with electrolytes are typically documented in regulatory patient information as being gluten-free and lactose-free.


Q: Does Transipeg 5,9 require a doctor's supervision for long-term use?

Official guidance indicates that the treatment course for constipation does not normally exceed 2 weeks. Continuation beyond this standard duration is documented as requiring the supervision and guidance of a medical professional.


Q: Do studies examine the use of Transipeg 5,9 in children?

The Transipeg 5,9 dose is for adults. However, Macrogol 3350 is a widely studied active substance, and numerous official clinical studies have examined its use specifically in the pediatric population for functional constipation, though this is often done with specific, lower-dose formulations.

How should Transipeg 5,9 be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Transipeg 5.9g

The storage and disposal of Transipeg 5.9g Powder for Oral Solution must adhere strictly to official regulatory requirements to ensure product integrity and proper waste management.

Storage Requirements

Item Requirement
Powder (Unopened) Store below 25 C in the original outer carton to protect from moisture.
Solution (Reconstituted) Store in the refrigerator (2 C to 8 C) and discard any unused solution after 24 hours.
Child Safety Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Instructions

Expired or unused Transipeg 5.9g must not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Disposal must be carried out according to local requirements, typically by returning the product to a pharmacist or designated collection point.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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