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.

How To Use

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a new prescription for it. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Follow any special diet instructions provided by your doctor. Be sure to ask your doctor about acceptable foods/liquids you may eat or drink before the procedure; otherwise the exam may have to be repeated. Finish your evening meal at least 1 hour before starting this medication. After you start drinking this medication, do not eat any solid food until after your procedure is done. To prevent becoming dehydrated, drink plenty of clear liquids as directed by your doctor.

Before using this product, mix it as directed. Read and follow all directions provided by the manufacturer to mix this product. After mixing, you may place the container in the refrigerator until ready to drink. Chilling the mixed liquid may improve its taste.

This product may cause certain liquid thickeners (starch-based products) to not work well, which may increase the risk of choking. If you are using liquid thickeners with this product, talk to your pharmacist to select a liquid thickener which will not interact with this product.

Take this product by mouth without food or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your age and medical condition.

The night before your procedure, quickly drink one 8-ounce glass (240 milliliters) of the mixture every 15 minutes until you finish the first container (1 liter), or take as directed by your doctor. Drink the second liter of prepared solution either the night before your procedure (one-and-a-half hours after the first liter) or on the morning of your procedure as directed by your doctor. After drinking each liter of the prepared solution, you should drink additional amounts of water or other clear liquid as directed by your doctor or on the Instructions for Use leaflet.

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. The bowel movements can be very large and watery.

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 last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If severe bloating or abdominal pain occurs, drink the mixture more slowly or temporarily stop drinking the mixture until the symptoms improve.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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 right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• stomach/abdominal pain that is severe or doesn't go away
• vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
• chest pain
• fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
• dizziness
• fainting
• seizures
• sudden shortness of breath
• signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)
• bloody stools
• rectal bleeding

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• 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.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking PEG with electrolyte, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• stomach/intestinal problems (such as hole in the intestines, ulcers, blockage, toxic colitis, toxic megacolon, ulcerative colitis, ileus)
• swallowing problems
• history of vomiting easily/often
• certain metabolic problem (G6PD deficiency)
• kidney problems
• heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat)
• seizures
• mineral imbalances (such as low level of sodium in the blood)

This medicine may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this drug safely.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dehydration and loss of salts in the blood (such as potassium, sodium).

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dehydration and loss of salts in the blood (such as potassium, sodium).

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.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products (especially drugs that can change the amount of water, sodium, or potassium in your body) that may interact with this drug include:

• "water pills" such as thiazide diuretics
• some heart/blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, enalapril)

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab tests (such as sodium, potassium levels) may be done before or after taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

Not applicable.

Storage

Store the unmixed powder at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. After mixing the solution, you may store it in the refrigerator. Use within 24 hours after mixing. 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.