bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes

Pronunciation:	bis a KOE dil and pol ee ETH il een GLYE kol
Brand:	HalfLytely and Bisacodyl

What is the most important information I should know about bisacodyl and PEG-3350?

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 is bisacodyl and PEG-3350?

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 purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking bisacodyl and PEG-3350?

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 not be able to use bisacodyl and PEG-3350, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

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 PEG-3350?

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?

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 happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine at one time.

An overdose of bisacodyl and PG-3350 is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking bisacodyl and PEG-3350?

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 are the possible side effects of bisacodyl and PEG-3350?

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 nausea, stomach pain or bloating;
rectal bleeding;
no bowel movement within 6 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 be more likely to occur, such as:

mild nausea, stomach cramps, bloating, or full feeling;
rectal pain or irritation;
vomiting; or
passing gas.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect bisacodyl and PEG-3350?

There may be other drugs that can affect 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.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about bisacodyl and PEG-3350 written for healthcare professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Bisacodyl and PEG-3350 is available with a prescription under several brand names, such as GoLytely, NuLytely, MiraLax, and Colyte. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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