What is bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes?
Bisacodyl and PEG-3350 is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements. This medication
also contains potassium, sodium, and other minerals to replace electrolytes that are passed from
the body in the stool.
Bisacodyl and PEG-3350 is used to clean the bowel before colonoscopy or other intestinal
procedure.
Bisacodyl and PEG-3350 may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to:
-
bisacodyl (Bisac-Evac, Carter's Little Pills, Dulcolax, Fleet, and
others);
-
polyethylene glycol (GlycoLax, MiraLax); or
-
any other electrolyte solutions (such as Pedialyte or
Gatorade).
You should not use bisacodyl and PEG-3350 with electrolytes 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 bisacodyl and PEG-3350.
People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medication
without the advice of a doctor.
Before taking bisacodyl and PEG-3350, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or
if you have:
-
kidney disease;
-
nausea, vomiting, or trouble swallowing;
-
a history of bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, ulcerative
colitis, or other chronic bowel disease; or
-
if you are taking a diuretic ("water pill").
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take this medication.
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 bisacodyl and PEG-3350 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.
Do not give this medicine to a child unless your doctor has told you to.
How should I take bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes?
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.
This medicine comes in a kit containing 4 bisacodyl delayed-release tablets and a bottle of
PEG-3350 with electrolytes in powder form. You will take the bisacodyl tablets first and then
wait to have a bowel movement. Once you have a bowel movement, you will start using the
PEG-3350 solution over a period of about 90 minutes.
Bisacodyl delayed-release tablets:
Do not crush, chew, or break the bisacodyl delayed-release tablets. Swallow all 4 of
the bisacodyl tablets whole with a glass of water. Delayed-release tablets are specially made to
release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be
released at one time.
You should have a bowel movement within 1 to 6 hours after taking the bisacodyl tablets.
After your first bowel movement, start using the PEG-3350 and electrolyte solution.
Polyethylene glycol 3350 and electrolyte solution:
The PEG-3350 and electrolyte powder must be mixed with water before you take it. Fill
the container with water up to the 2-liter mark. Place the cap on the bottle and shake it until the
powder is completely dissolved.
A variety of flavor packs are provided with the PEG-3350 powder. Use only one pack to
add flavor to the solution. You may also prepare the solution without a flavor pack.
Do
not add any extra flavorings
such as sugar, honey, artificial sweetener, fruit juices, or
other beverages.
Shake the liquid well just before you measure each dose. The usual dose of
PEG-3350 solution is 8 ounces every 10 minutes. Drink the solution in the exact portions at the
exact time intervals prescribed by your doctor.
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 the PEG-3350 and electrolyte solution.
You may store the mixed solution in a refrigerator but you must use it within 48
hours after mixing. Throw away any PEG-3350 solution you have not used within 48 hours after
it was mixed.
PEG-3350 will produce watery diarrhea. Keep drinking the solution until you have
consumed all 2 liters.
On the day of your colonoscopy or bowel exam,
do not eat solid food or
drink anything other than clear liquids.
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.
What happens if I miss a dose of bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes?
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 bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes?
Your pharmacist has information about bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes?
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:
-
seizure (convulsions);
-
severe nausea, stomach pain or bloating;
-
coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
-
rectal bleeding;
-
no bowel movement within 6 hours after use; or
-
gagging, choking, or vomiting.
Some of these side effects may be prevented by drinking the
medication more slowly, or not using it for a short time. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
mild nausea or vomiting;
-
stomach cramps, bloating, or full feeling;
-
rectal pain or irritation;
-
vomiting;
-
passing gas; or
-
headache.
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 bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes?
On the day of your colonoscopy or bowel exam,
do not eat solid food or
drink anything other than clear liquids.
Avoid drinking large amounts of water after
taking this medication. 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.
Avoid taking antacids within 1 hour before you take the bisacodyl tablets.
Do not use other laxatives while using bisacodyl and PEG-3350 unless your doctor
has told you to.
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.
What should I avoid while taking bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes?
Avoid drinking large amounts of water while you are using this medicine. Follow
your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. Drinking too
much liquid can be unsafe while you are using bisacodyl and PEG-3350.
Avoid taking antacids within 1 hour before you take the bisacodyl tablets.
Avoid taking other medications, vitamins, or mineral supplements within 1 hour before
drinking the PEG-3350 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 bisacodyl and PEG-3350 unless your doctor
has told you to.
What other drugs will affect bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are also taking a diuretic (water pill),
or any heart or blood pressure medications.
There may be other drugs that can interact with bisacodyl and PEG-3350. 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 bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes?