Polyethylene Glycol; Electrolytes oral solution
What is polyethylene glycol; electrolytes oral solution?
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL; ELECTROLYTES solutions (CoLyte®, GoLytely®, NuLytely®, Moviprep®, or TriLyte™) are laxative solutions that are used to cleanse the bowel before colonoscopy, surgery or other procedures. The solution may also be used to treat other intestinal problems as determined by your health care professional. This laxative helps increase the water content of the stool and bowel movements become easier and more frequent. The electrolytes in the solution (like potassium) help prevent important mineral losses from the body. Generic solutions are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take polyethylene glycol; electrolytes solution?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
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a history of blockage of the stomach or intestine
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a history of seizure
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current abdomen distension or pain
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difficulty swallowing
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diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or other chronic bowel disease
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glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
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phenylketonuria
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an unusual or allergic reaction to polyethylene glycol, other medicines, dyes, or preservatives
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pregnant or trying to get pregnant
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breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor.
Before using this medicine you or your pharmacist need to fill the container with the amount of water indicated on the package label. Shake well before use and before each dose. Take this laxative solution by mouth. Take exactly as directed. Your health care professional will tell you when to start drinking this solution prior to your procedure. You will usually need to drink a certain amount of the solution every 10 minutes until the stool is all watery and clear, or alternatively, until the solution is gone. It is best to drink each portion quickly rather than sipping it. Do not take your medicine less often or more often than directed. You will usually have the first bowel movement about 1 hour after you begin drinking the solution. After that, you will have frequent bowel movements as your bowel is cleans out.
Follow your prescribers instructions for what is allowable in the diet. Do not eat any solid food for at least 2 hours, and preferably 3—4 hours, before you begin drinking this medicine. You usually must drink only clear, non-red colored liquids from the time you start this solution until the time your procedure is complete. Also, do not eat until after your surgery or procedure is complete.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
You should talk to your prescriber for instructions if you are not able to complete the bowel preparation as advised. An inadequate prep may affect the examination results.
What drug(s) may interact with polyethylene glycol; electrolytes solution?
No specific drug interactions have been reported. However, if you regularly take other medications, check with your prescriber before taking this solution. Usually, only certain medications should be taken prior to the procedure; follow your health care providers instructions.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Tell your prescriber or health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking polyethylene glycol; electrolytes solution?
Do not use this solution for longer than prescribed without advice from your prescriber or health care professional. See your healthcare professional for any changes in bowel habits, including constipation, that are severe or last longer than three weeks.
Do not inhale dust from the solution powder. This can make breathing difficult or may cause sneezing or an allergic-type reaction.
Drink plenty of clear liquids before, during, and after using this preparation. Otherwise, you can become dehydrated.
What side effects may I notice from taking polyethylene glycol; electrolytes solution?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
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difficulty breathing (rare)
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itching of the skin, hives, or skin rash (rare)
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seizure
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severe bloating, pain, or distension of the stomach
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vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
While you are taking this medicine, store the solution in the refrigerator to improve the taste, do not freeze. Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 48 hours.