TriLyte with Flavor Packs

TriLyte with Flavor Packs is a laxative solution that helps you have bowel movements. It also has minerals that replace electrolytes lost in the stool.

TriLyte with Flavor Packs is used to prepare the bowel before a colonoscopy, a barium x-ray, or other intestinal procedures.

TriLyte with Flavor Packs 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 make a solution before using it. Do not add any flavors like sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners, fruit juices, or other drinks.

Shake the mixture well just before you measure a dose. Drink TriLyte with Flavor Packs in the exact amounts and at the exact times your doctor prescribed.

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

Do not drink TriLyte with Flavor Packs 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 TriLyte with Flavor Packs. 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 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 standing upright.

Throw away any TriLyte with Flavor Packs 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 TriLyte with Flavor Packs if you have a perforated bowel, a bowel obstruction, severe constipation, colitis, or toxic megacolon. TriLyte with Flavor Packs can cause serious 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.

TriLyte with Flavor Packs 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 any 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.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using it if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

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

TriLyte with Flavor Packs can cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor right away 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 tingly feeling.

You may need to drink the liquid more slowly, or pause using it briefly if you have certain side effects. Call your doctor for guidance 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 TriLyte with Flavor Packs 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. 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 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 TriLyte with Flavor Packs. 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 TriLyte with Flavor Packs 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 for anxiety, depression, or mental illness;
• medications for 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 TriLyte with Flavor Packs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.