polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution

What is the most important information I should know about polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?

What is polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?

Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution is a laxative solution that stimulates bowel movements. This medication also contains 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 not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?

• a perforated bowel;
• a bowel obstruction or severe constipation; or
• colitis or toxic megacolon.

Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects in people with these conditions.

People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medicine without the advice of a doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems, or a heart attack;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood);
• kidney disease;
• a seizure;
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcerative colitis, or other stomach or bowel disorder;
• trouble swallowing, aspiration (accidentally inhaling food or drink);
• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
• a drug or alcohol addiction.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Polyethylene glycol electrolyte powder must be mixed with water into a solution before using it. Do not add any flavorings such as sugar, honey, artificial sweetener, fruit juices, or other beverages.

This medicine comes with instructions about when and what to eat or drink on your first day of treatment. Each brand may have different instructions.

The first watery stool should appear within 1 hour after you start drinking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution. Keep taking the medicine until you have completed all doses prescribed by your doctor.

Throw away any polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution you have not used within 24 to 48 hours after it was mixed (follow directions for your specific brand of this medicine).

What happens if I miss a dose?

Talk to your doctor if you cannot drink all of the solution prescribed for you. Your test or procedure may need to be rescheduled if your bowel is not completely cleansed.

What happens if I overdose?

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. A bowel cleansing can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth.

What are the possible side effects of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?

• no bowel movement within 2 hours after use;
• vomiting;
• dizziness, feeling like you might pass out;
• little or no urination;
• a seizure; or
• signs of an electrolyte imbalance --increased thirst or urination, dry mouth, confusion, constipation, muscle pain or weakness, leg cramps, irregular heartbeats, tingly feeling.

• gagging, choking, severe stomach pain or bloating;
• nausea, vomiting, headache, trouble drinking liquids, little or no urinating; or
• fever, sudden or severe stomach pain, severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding or bright red bowel movements.

Common side effects may include:

• vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, bloating;
• rectal pain or irritation;
• hunger, thirst, mild nausea;
• trouble sleeping; or
• dizziness, chills.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• heart or blood pressure medication;
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• medicine to treat anxiety, depression, or mental illness;
• medications to treat kidney problems or low sodium levels (hyponatremia);
• seizure medication; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution.