IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
PEG/ELECTROLYTE - ORAL
(PEG/ih-LECK-troh-lite)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Colyte, Golytely, Nulytely
USES: PEG (polyethylene glycol) with electrolyte is used to clean out the intestines before certain bowel exam procedures such as colonoscopy or barium enema X-rays. It is a laxative that works by drawing large amounts of water into the colon. This effect results in watery bowel movements. Clearing stool from the intestines helps your doctor to better examine the intestines during your procedure.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used for constipation that does not respond to other medications.
HOW TO USE: Follow any special diet instructions provided by your doctor. For best results, do not eat solid food for 3 or more hours before starting to take this product. Never eat solid food within 2 hours of drinking the mixed liquid. Usually, you may eat solid food after the procedure.
Before using this product, mix it as directed. Read and follow all directions provided by the manufacturer to mix this product. After mixing, place the container in the refrigerator until ready to drink. Chilling the mixed liquid will improve its taste.
This product is taken by mouth without food or as directed by your doctor. It may also be given through a nose-to-stomach (nasogastric) tube. Dosage is based on your age.
Quickly drink one 8-ounce glass (240 milliliters) of the mixture every 10 minutes until you finish the entire container (4 liters), or take as directed by your doctor. It is best to drink the mixed liquid quickly instead of sipping slowly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to mix or take this product or what to expect after taking this product.
Watery bowel movements usually begin about 1 hour after you start to drink the mixed liquid. Since the bowel movements can be very large and watery, you may drink more clear liquids so that you do not lose too much body water (become dehydrated).
Do not take any other medications by mouth within 1 hour of starting to drink the mixed liquid because your body may not absorb the other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure when to take your other medications.
SIDE EFFECTS: Very watery bowel movements are expected with this medication. Nausea, bloating, or feelings of fullness in the stomach/abdomen are very common. Stomach/abdominal cramps, vomiting, and anal irritation occur less often. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If severe bloating or abdominal pain occurs, wait longer (15-30 minutes) between each glass of the mixture, or temporarily stop drinking the mixture until the symptoms improve.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, chest pain, fainting, sudden shortness of breath.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking electrolyte with PEG, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: blocked intestines (gastrointestinal obstruction), intestines that are not moving (ileus), hole in the intestines, severe infection in the intestines (e.g., toxic colitis, toxic megacolon).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe ulcers/swelling of the colon (ulcerative colitis), problems with the normal urge to close the throat when the back of the mouth/throat is touched (poor gag reflex), history of vomiting easily/often, history of breathing food/other substances into the lungs.
Special caution should be taken if this medication is given to an unconscious or partly conscious person.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dehydration and loss of salts in the blood (e.g., potassium, sodium).
Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dehydration and loss of salts in the blood (e.g., potassium, sodium). Children younger than 2 years may be more likely to develop low blood sugar from not eating. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms of low blood sugar in your child, such as shakiness, unusual sleepiness, abnormal/prolonged crying.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
STORAGE: Store the unmixed powder at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. After mixing the solution, store it in the refrigerator and use within 48 hours. Discard any unused mixture. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.