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POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL; ELECTROLYTES (pol ee ETH i leen GLYE col; i LEK truh lahyts) is a laxative. It is used to clean out the bowel before a colonoscopy.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medicine by mouth. Before using this medicine you or your pharmacist must mix this medicine with the amount of water indicated on the package label. Do not combine with other liquids and/or starch-based thickeners (e.g., flour, cornstarch, arrowroot, tapioca, xanthan gum). Chill solution before using to improve taste. Shake well before each dose. Your doctor will tell you what time to start this medicine. Take exactly as directed. You will usually have the first bowel movement about 1 hour after you begin drinking the solution. After that, you will have frequent watery bowel movements.
You will need to follow a special diet before your procedure. Talk to your doctor. Do not eat any solid foods for 3 to 4 hours before taking this medicine.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your health care provider regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Do not take any other medicine by mouth starting 1 hour before you take this medicine. Talk to your doctor about when to take your other medicines.
This medicine may interact with the following medications:
-certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
-certain medicines for kidney disease
-certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
-diuretics
-laxatives
-NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Contact your doctor or health care provider if you have any concerns about your bowel prep.
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Talk to your health care provider if you are not able to complete the bowel preparation as advised.
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-chest pain
-dizziness
-fast, irregular heartbeat
-headache
-seizures
-trouble breathing
-trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
-vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-anal irritation
-bloating or stomach pain
-gas
-nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store the solution in the refrigerator after mixing to improve the taste. Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medicine 48 hours after mixing.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.