PEG-3350 with Electolytes

PEG-3350 with Electolytes is a laxative solution that helps to stimulate bowel movements. This medication includes minerals to replace electrolytes that are lost from the body in the stool.

PEG-3350 with Electolytes is used to prepare the bowel before a colonoscopy, a barium x-ray, or other intestinal procedures.

PEG-3350 with Electolytes may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions 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 sweeteners, fruit juices, or other drinks.

Shake the mixture well just before measuring a dose. Drink PEG-3350 with Electolytes in the exact amounts at the exact time intervals prescribed by your doctor.

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 PEG-3350 with Electolytes 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 you last ate.

The first watery stool should appear within 1 hour after you start drinking PEG-3350 with Electolytes. Keep taking the medicine until you have completed all doses prescribed by your doctor.

Drink plenty of clear liquids (water, broth, black coffee, tea, clear soda) before, during, and after you take this medicine. Avoid foods and drinks 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 in an upright position.

Throw away any PEG-3350 with Electolytes 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 PEG-3350 with Electolytes if you have a perforated bowel, a bowel obstruction, severe constipation, colitis, or toxic megacolon. PEG-3350 with Electolytes 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 (such as Pedialyte or Gatorade), or if you have:

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

PEG-3350 with Electolytes can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects in people with these conditions.

People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medicine without the advice of a doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems, or a heart attack;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as 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 have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

PEG-3350 with Electolytes can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• 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 tingly feeling.

You may need to drink the liquid more slowly, or pause using it for a short time if you experience certain side effects. Call your doctor for instructions if you have:

• 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 PEG-3350 with Electolytes may include:

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

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call 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 attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid taking other medications, vitamins, or mineral supplements within 1 hour before drinking PEG-3350 with Electolytes. 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 PEG-3350 with Electolytes unless your doctor has told 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 PEG-3350 with Electolytes, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.