What is polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?
Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution is a laxative solution that increases the amount of
water in the intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movements. This medication also contains
potassium, sodium, and other minerals to replace electrolytes that are passed from the body in the
stool.
Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution is used to clean the bowel before colonoscopy, a
barium x-ray, or other intestinal procedures.
Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol or any other
electrolyte solutions (such as Pedialyte or Gatorade), or if you have:
If you have any these conditions, you could have dangerous or
life-threatening side effects from polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution.
People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this
medication without the advice of a doctor.
Before taking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution, tell your doctor if you are allergic
to any drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution passes into breast
milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults may be more likely to have serious side effects from this medicine.
How should I take polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Do not take polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution if it has been less than 2 hours
since you last ate solid food. For best results, take the medicine 3 to 4 hours after you last ate.
Do not add any flavorings
to this medicine, such as sugar, honey,
artificial sweetener, fruit juices, or other beverages.
Chilling the medicine in a refrigerator may make it taste better.
Shake the liquid well just before you measure a dose. Drink this medicine in the
exact portions at the exact time intervals prescribed by your doctor.
Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution will produce watery diarrhea. Keep taking the
medicine until your stool is watery and clear. In most cases, at least 3 liters of polyethylene
glycol electrolyte solution is needed for the full effect.
The usual dose of the medication is 8 ounces every 10 minutes. Drink each portion as
quickly as possible, rather than sipping it slowly. The first watery stool should appear within 1
hour after you start drinking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution.
You may be instructed not to drink or eat anything before your medical test or
procedure. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should
drink for at least 24 hours before and after your test or procedure.
Throw away any polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution you have not used within 48
hours after it was mixed.
What happens if I miss a dose of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?
Talk to your doctor if you cannot drink all of the medication prescribed for you. Your test
or procedure may need to be rescheduled if your bowel is not completely cleansed.
Where can I get more information about polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?
Your pharmacist has information about polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
severe stomach pain or bloating;
-
no bowel movement within 2 hours after use; or
-
gagging, choking, or vomiting.
If you have any of these side effects, you may need to drink the
medication more slowly, or stop using it for a short time.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
mild stomach cramps, gas, or bloating;
-
rectal pain or irritation;
-
nausea; or
-
passing gas.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol or any other
electrolyte solutions (such as Pedialyte or Gatorade).
You should also not take polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution if you have a perforated
bowel, a bowel obstruction or severe constipation, or colitis or toxic megacolon. If you have any
these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from polyethylene
glycol electrolyte solution.
People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not take
polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution without the advice of a doctor.
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 should I avoid while taking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?
Avoid taking other medications, vitamins, or mineral supplements within 1 hour before
drinking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution. Any medications you take just before a bowel
cleansing will not be properly absorbed into your body.
Do not use other laxatives while using polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution unless
your doctor has told you to.
What other drugs will affect polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?
There may be other drugs that can interact with polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution.
Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This
includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start
using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?
