PEG-3350 Electrolytes for Oral Solution

If you have an upcoming gastrointestinal procedure, such as a
 colonoscopy or a barium enema x-ray examination, your healthcare provider may prescribe polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (colyte®, GoLYTELY®, MoviPrep®, NuLYTELY®, TriLyte®). This medication is consumed before these procedures to help empty the bowels. It is important for a healthcare provider to clearly see the inside of the colon. Any stool inside the colon may hide important findings.
 
This oral solution is a combination of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG-3350), which is an osmotic laxative, and electrolytes, which help replace any electrolytes lost during treatment. Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution comes in powder form, which is dissolved in water before use. The mixed solution is normally swallowed in eight-ounce portions every 10 minutes. It will usually take three to four liters to completely empty the bowels.
 
(For more information on this laxative, click Polyethylene Glycol Electrolyte Solution. This article offers a complete overview of how this oral solution works, possible side effects, dosing tips, and general safety precautions.)
 
List of references (click here)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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