What should I do if I haven't had a bowel movement after drinking polyethylene glycol for an entire night?

Polyethylene glycol is a medication used to treat constipation and for bowel preparation before surgery. If no bowel movement occurs after taking polyethylene glycol for one night, measures such as moderate exercise, shortening the dosing interval, adjusting dosage, combination therapy, or switching medications may be taken to promote defecation.

1. Moderate Exercise

If no bowel movement occurs after taking polyethylene glycol for one night, engaging in moderate physical activity—such as swimming or running—may help accelerate metabolism and circulation, enhance intestinal digestive function, stimulate peristalsis, and facilitate stool passage.

2. Shorten Dosing Interval

Polyethylene glycol is typically administered in multiple doses to relieve constipation or cleanse the bowel. If defecation does not occur after administration, it is recommended to consult a physician about shortening the interval between doses to improve efficacy.

3. Adjust Dosage

Insufficient dosage may also result in no bowel movement after taking polyethylene glycol overnight. Under medical supervision, slightly increasing the dose may help stimulate intestinal motility and soften stools, thereby relieving constipation or enhancing bowel cleansing. Additionally, ensuring the correct preparation of the polyethylene glycol solution—avoiding overly diluted concentrations—can also improve effectiveness.

4. Combination Therapy

If defecation does not occur for an extended period after taking polyethylene glycol, this may indicate inadequate effect from monotherapy. Under medical guidance, combining other laxatives—such as lactulose oral solution, sorbitol (oral), or phenolphthalein tablets—may enhance the laxative effect.

5. Switch Medication

Failure to have a bowel movement after taking polyethylene glycol overnight may be due to patient tolerance or reduced responsiveness to the drug. Based on medical advice, switching to alternative medications—such as phenolphthalein tablets, bisacodyl enteric-coated tablets, or rectal suppositories like glycerin enema (Kaisailu)—may help alleviate symptoms.

Medications should be used strictly as prescribed; self-medication should be avoided. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is advised.