polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution

(paw lee EH theh leen GLYE call ee LECK tro lite)
Colyte, Go-Evac, Golytely, MiraLax, Nulytely, PEG-3350 with Electolytes

What is the most important information I should know about polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?

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Talk to your healthcare provider if you are not able to consume all of the solution. Incomplete cleansing of the bowel may affect the scheduled procedure.

What is polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?

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Polyethylene glycol electrolyte (PEG) solution is a laxative solution intended to increase the amount of water in the intestinal tract and replace electrolytes that may be lost due to diarrhea.

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Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution is used to cleanse the bowel by inducing diarrhea before colonoscopy, barium x-ray, surgery, or other procedures.

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Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?

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Before taking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution, tell your doctor if you have

had a previous allergic reaction to polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution;

a history of blockage of the stomach or intestine;

current stomach distension or pain;

difficulty swallowing; or

diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or other chronic bowel disease.

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You may not be able to take polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

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Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

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It is not known whether polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution will be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

How should I take polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?

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Take polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution exactly as directed. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

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Before taking this medication, you or your pharmacist will need to fill the container with water. The amount of water needed will be indicated on the package label.

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Shake the solution well after adding the water and before each dose.

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Refrigerate the solution to improve the taste.

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Your healthcare provider will tell you when to start drinking the solution prior to the scheduled procedure. Usually, a specific amount of solution is consumed every 10 minutes until the stool is watery and clear. It is best to drink each portion quickly rather than sipping it slowly.

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The first bowel movement usually occurs about 1 hour after starting to drink the solution. Frequent bowel movements will continue until the bowel is clear.

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Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding what foods or beverages may be consumed before, during, and after taking polyethylene glycol solution. Usually, no solid food should be eaten for at least 2 hours, and preferably 3-4 hours, before taking the solution and until after the scheduled procedure is complete.

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Talk to your doctor before taking polyethylene glycol solution if you take other medicines. Some other medicines should not be taken before using this medication, as they may be passed out in the stool without being absorbed.

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Before mixing, the powder can be stored at room temperature out of the reach of children. After mixing, store the solution in the refrigerator to improve the taste. Do not allow the solution to freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 48 hours.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Talk to your healthcare provider if you are not able to consume all of the solution. Incomplete cleansing of the bowel may affect the scheduled procedure.

What happens if I overdose?

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An overdose of this medication is unlikely to threaten life. Contact an emergency room or poison control center for advice if an overdose is suspected.

What should I avoid while taking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?

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What are the possible side effects of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?

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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

sever pain, bloating, or distension of the stomach; or

vomiting.

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take potassium chloride and talk to your doctor if you experience

lower abdominal discomfort or cramps;

minor bloating;

nausea; or

passing gas.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?

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Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has additional information about polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution written for healthcare professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.