GoLYTELY

GoLYTELY is a laxative solution that helps to stimulate bowel movements. It also includes minerals to replace electrolytes lost in the stool.

GoLYTELY is used to prepare the bowel for a colonoscopy, a barium x-ray, or other intestinal procedures.

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

Follow all instructions 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 to create a solution before using it. Do not add any flavorings such as sugar, honey, artificial sweetener, fruit juices, or other beverages.

Shake the mixture well just before you measure a dose. Drink GoLYTELY exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the specific portions and time intervals.

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.

Do not drink GoLYTELY if it has been less than 1 hour since you last ate solid food. For best results, take the medicine 2 to 4 hours after your last meal.

The first watery stool should appear within 1 hour after you start drinking GoLYTELY. Keep taking the medicine until you have finished all doses prescribed by your doctor.

Drink plenty of clear liquids (water, broth, black coffee, tea, clear soda) before, during, and after taking this medicine. Avoid foods and beverages that contain pulp or are red or purple in color. You may also eat popsicles (not fruit bars or fudge bars) or gelatin without fruit pieces or toppings.

Do not eat or drink anything within 2 hours before your colonoscopy or other medical test.

Store the unmixed powder at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Store the mixed solution in a refrigerator, standing upright.

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

Do not use GoLYTELY if you have a perforated bowel, a bowel obstruction, severe constipation, colitis, or toxic megacolon. GoLYTELY can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects in people with these conditions.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol or any other electrolyte solutions (like Pedialyte or Gatorade), or if you have:

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

GoLYTELY can cause serious or life-threatening side effects in people with these conditions.

People with eating disorders (like anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medicine without consulting a doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems, or a heart attack;
• an electrolyte imbalance (like 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).

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

GoLYTELY can cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• no bowel movement within 2 hours after use;
• vomiting;
• dizziness or feeling faint;
• little or no urination;
• a seizure; or
• signs of an electrolyte imbalance—such as increased thirst or urination, dry mouth, confusion, constipation, muscle pain or weakness, leg cramps, irregular heartbeats, or a tingling sensation.

You may need to drink the liquid more slowly or take a break from using it if you have certain side effects. Contact your doctor for guidance if you experience:

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

Common side effects of GoLYTELY may include:

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

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

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.

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

Do not take other medications, vitamins, or mineral supplements within 1 hour before drinking GoLYTELY. A bowel cleansing can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth.

Do not use other laxatives while using GoLYTELY unless your doctor has instructed you to.

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 GoLYTELY, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.