Polyethylene Glycol in Suppositories: Carcinogenic?
Authors: M H Greene, T I Young
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1980)

Letters and Corrections1 November 1980Polyethylene Glycol in Suppositories: Carcinogenic?MARK H. GREENE, M.D., TINA I. YOUNG, GEORGE S. EISENBARTH, M.D., PH.D.MARK H. GREENE, M.D.Search for more papers by this author, TINA I. YOUNGSearch for more papers by this author, GEORGE S. EISENBARTH, M.D., PH.D.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-93-5-781_1 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptTo the editor: Polyethylene glycol, a family of chemical compounds composed of linear polymers of ethylene oxide and water, is a component in many medications, including ointments, where it serves as an "inert" base, and suppositories, where it serves as a base and carrier for various "active" drugs. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), suppository preparations of drugs such as acetaminophen and oxymorphone hydrochloride currently contain polyethylene glycol, whereas drugs in at least 18 new drug applications for suppositories contained this compound.However, Pontecervo (1) has shown potent effects of this compound on somatic cells; that is,...References1. PONTECERVO G. Production of mammalian somatic cell hybrids by means of polyethylene glycol treatment. Somatic Cell Genet. 1975;1:387-400. Google Scholar2. SMYTH HF JR CARPENTER CP SHAFFER CB . The toxicity of high molecular weight polyethylene glycols; chronic oral and parenteral administration. J Am Pharmaceut Assoc. 1947;36:157-60. CrossrefGoogle Scholar3. SMYTHCARPENTERWEIL HCC. The chronic oral toxicology of the polyethylene glycols. J Am Pharmaceut Assoc. 1955;44:27-30. CrossrefGoogle Scholar4. BOYLANDCHARLESGOWING ERN The induction of tumours in mice by intravaginal application of chemical compounds. Br J Cancer. 1961;15:252-6. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar5. FIELDROE WF Tumor promotion in the forestomach epithelium of mice by oral administration of citrus oils. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1965;35:771-87. MedlineGoogle Scholar6. ATKIN N. Chromosomes in human malignant tumors. In: GERMAN J, ed. Chromosomes and Cancer. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1974;385-7. Google Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited BySubstances that affect the skin: Discoloration, necrosis, and miscellaneous adverse reactionsButyl-p-aminobenzoatePharmaceutical ExcipientsUrinary excretion of polyethylene glycol 3350 and sulfate after gut lavage with a polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solutionEnhanced in vitro release of indomethacin from non-aqueous suspensions using indomethacin-polyvinylpyrrolidone coprecipitateGolytely™ solution for colonoscopy preparationPSEUDOMONIC ACID AND CONTROL OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCIBLOOD GROUPS IN RECURRENT GIARDIASISDrugs used on the skin 1 November 1980Volume 93, Issue 5Page: 781-781KeywordsCellsDrug administrationDrugsEthyleneFood and Drug AdministrationNew drug applicationsOintmentsSuppository Issue Published: 1 November 1980 PDF DownloadLoading ...