Brand: Colyte, Colyte with Flavor Packs, GaviLyte-C with Flavor Pack, Golytely
Generic: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrolytes
The polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrolytes solution is an osmotic laxative used to cleanse the colon before certain medical procedures such as colonoscopy, barium enema X-ray exam, or colon surgery.
This drug cleanses your colon by causing you to have diarrhea. This procedure aids in providing optimal and accurate results in imaging studies made inside the colon. This drug requires a prescription.
Before taking this drug, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.
Studies in the pediatric population on the correlations of age to the effects of PEG-electrolyte solution have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established.
Studies in the elderly have not reported any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of PEG-electrolyte solution.
Caution is required when giving this drug to the elderly since they are more likely to have serious side effects such as upper GI bleeding, or trouble.
Adverse effects have been reported in animals but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. Infant risk remains undetermined when taking this drug during breastfeeding.
Seek advice from your healthcare professional before taking this drug if you are breastfeeding.
Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.
Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:
Depending on the type of test you are going to have, your healthcare professional may have special instructions for you.
Take this drug exactly as directed on the label or by your healthcare professional to ensure the success of the test you are going to have.
It is recommended to refrain from eating any solid food for 3 to 4 hours before taking this drug. Also, eating anything for 2 hours before starting to use this drug is not recommended.
Do not eat anything until after you are finished with your test after taking your first dose of the drug.
You may drink clear liquids such as water, ginger ale, decaffeinated cola, decaffeinated tea, broth, or gelatin 2 hours before the test. Refrain from drinking any red and purple colored liquids.
The powder must be mixed with lukewarm water before it is used. Add any flavoring with the powder before mixing with water. Shake well until all the ingredients are dissolved.
Take this drug within 48 hours after mixing. You will need to drink 240 milliliters (mL) of the mixed drug about every 10 minutes.
You should have your first loose stool or mild diarrhea after the 1st hour. Before the loose stools start, you may have to bloat or an upset stomach.
Keep drinking 240 mL of the mixed drug about every 10 minutes until your stools are clear. Most people need to drink all of the liquid (4 liters) to get completely clear stools.
If you cannot swallow the liquid, it can be given through a tube inserted into your nose. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients.
The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.
For cleansing of the colon in adults, 240 milliliters (mL) every 10 minutes is recommended. Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.
Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.
4 Precautions to Take
Regular visits and laboratory tests should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of this drug as well as check for unwanted effects.
Unwanted effects can be screened using blood and urine tests. Consult with your healthcare professional immediately if you experience symptoms of dehydration such as decreased urination, dizziness, headache, or vomiting.
Seek advice from your healthcare professional before taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, these side effects may eventually disappear.
Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional.
If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional.
Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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