Polyethylene Glycols (also known as Macrogol, Macrogols): Polymers of ETHYLENE OXIDE and water, and their ethers. They vary in consistency from liquid to solid depending on the molecular weight indicated by a number following the name. They are used as SURFACTANTS, dispersing agents, solvents, ointment and suppository
Polymers of ETHYLENE OXIDE and water, and their ethers. They vary in consistency from liquid to solid depending on the molecular weight indicated by a number following the name. They are used as SURFACTANTS, dispersing agents, solvents, ointment and suppository bases, vehicles, and tablet excipients. Some specific groups are NONOXYNOLS, OCTOXYNOLS, and POLOXAMERS.
MeSH classification
D02.033.455.250.700
D05.750.741
D25.720.741
J01.637.051.720.741
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Polymers of ETHYLENE OXIDE and water, and their ethers. They vary in consistency from liquid to solid depending on the molecular weight indicated by a number following the name. They are used as SURFACTANTS, dispersing agents, solvents, ointment and suppository bases, vehicles, and tablet excipients. Some specific groups are NONOXYNOLS, OCTOXYNOLS, and POLOXAMERS. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Polyethylene Glycols known by any other names?
Yes. Polyethylene Glycols is also referred to as Macrogol, Macrogols, Polyethylene Glycol, Glycol, Polyethylene in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Polyethylene Glycols sit in the medical classification?
Polyethylene Glycols falls under the broader medical category "Chemicals and Drugs" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: D02.033.455.250.700, D05.750.741, D25.720.741). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Polyethylene Glycols?
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