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Polyethylene Glycol Electrolyte Solution Information
Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (colyte®, GoLYTELY®, MoviPrep®, NuLYTELY®, TriLyte®) is used to help prepare the bowels for a colonoscopy or a barium enema x-ray examination. It comes in the form of a powder, which is dissolved in water and consumed in eight-ounce portions every 10 minutes until the bowels are empty.
As a type of laxative, polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution works by causing frequent, watery bowel movements to remove any solid matter from the colon. This solution also contains electrolytes (such as sodium) to help replace those lost during treatment.
Because this medicine is not suitable for everyone, make sure to fully review the safety information for polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution before taking this laxative. For instance, you may not be able to safely use this medicine if you have certain medical conditions, such as kidney problems, an electrolyte imbalance, or an inflammatory bowel disease.
(Click Polyethylene Glycol Electrolyte Solution for more information on this bowel-prep product. This article covers how this prescription laxative works, lists possible side effects, and offers some details on what to expect while taking it.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD