Gialax

Gialax is a laxative solution that adds more water to the intestinal tract to encourage bowel movements.

Gialax is used as a laxative to treat occasional constipation or irregular bowel movements.

Gialax may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

To use the powder form of this medicine, measure your dose with the medicine cap on the bottle. This cap should have dose marks on the inside of it. Pour the powder into 4 to 8 ounces of a cold or hot drink such as water, juice, soda, coffee, or tea. Stir this mixture and drink it right away. Do not save it for later use.

Gialax should produce a bowel movement within 1 to 3 days of using the medication. This medicine usually causes loose or even watery stools.

Do not use Gialax more than once per day. Call your doctor if you are still constipated or irregular after using this medication for 7 days in a row.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use this medicine if you have a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. If you have any of these conditions, you could experience dangerous or life-threatening side effects from Gialax.

Do not use Gialax more than once per day. Call your doctor if you are still constipated or not having regular bowel movements after using this medication for 7 days in a row.

You should not use Gialax if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol, or if you have a bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. If you have any of these conditions, you could experience dangerous or life-threatening side effects from Gialax.

People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medication without consulting a doctor.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have:

• nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain;
• ulcerative colitis;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• kidney disease; or
• if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted 2 weeks or longer.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Gialax will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether polyethylene glycol 3350 passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking Gialax and call your doctor immediately if you have:

• severe or bloody diarrhea;
• rectal bleeding;
• blood in your stools; or
• severe and worsening stomach pain.

Common side effects of Gialax may include:

• bloating, gas, upset stomach;
• dizziness; or
• increased sweating.

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.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Other drugs may interact with polyethylene glycol 3350, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform each of your health care providers about all medicines you are currently using and any medicine you begin or discontinue.