PEG-3350 with Electrolytes (Eqv-GoLYTELY)

PEG-3350 with Electrolytes (Eqv-GoLYTELY) is a laxative solution that helps stimulate bowel movements. This medication includes minerals to replace electrolytes lost in the stool.

PEG-3350 with Electrolytes (Eqv-GoLYTELY) is used to prepare the bowel for a colonoscopy, a barium x-ray, or other intestinal procedures.

PEG-3350 with Electrolytes (Eqv-GoLYTELY) may also be used for other purposes 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 make a solution before using it. Do not add any flavorings like sugar, honey, artificial sweetener, fruit juices, or other beverages.

Shake the mixture well just before you measure a dose. Drink PEG-3350 with Electrolytes (Eqv-GoLYTELY) in the exact amounts and at the exact time intervals prescribed by your doctor.

This medicine comes with instructions about what and when to eat or drink on your first day of treatment. Each brand may have different instructions.

Do not drink PEG-3350 with Electrolytes (Eqv-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 you last ate.

The first watery stool should appear within 1 hour after you start drinking PEG-3350 with Electrolytes (Eqv-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 you take 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 in an upright position.

Throw away any PEG-3350 with Electrolytes (Eqv-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 PEG-3350 with Electrolytes (Eqv-GoLYTELY) if you have a perforated bowel, a bowel obstruction or severe constipation, colitis, or toxic megacolon. PEG-3350 with Electrolytes (Eqv-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.

PEG-3350 with Electrolytes (Eqv-GoLYTELY) can cause dangerous 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 potassium or sodium levels in your blood);
• kidney disease;
• a seizure;
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcerative colitis, or any other stomach or bowel disorder;
• trouble swallowing, aspiration (accidentally breathing in 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; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

PEG-3350 with Electrolytes (Eqv-GoLYTELY) may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

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

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

• gagging, choking, severe stomach pain or bloating;
• nausea, vomiting, headache, trouble drinking liquids, 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 Electrolytes (Eqv-GoLYTELY) 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 may report side effects to 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 cleaned out.

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

Do not take any other medications, vitamins, or mineral supplements within 1 hour before drinking PEG-3350 with Electrolytes (Eqv-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 PEG-3350 with Electrolytes (Eqv-GoLYTELY) unless your doctor has instructed you to.

Tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking, especially:

• heart or blood pressure medicine;
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• medicine for anxiety, depression, or mental illness;
• medications for kidney problems or low sodium levels (hyponatremia);
• seizure medicine; 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 Electrolytes (Eqv-GoLYTELY), including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.