Generic name:
Peg/electrolyte (32 ounces) - oral
Pronunciation
(PEG/ih-LECK-troh-lite)
Generic name:
Peg/electrolyte (32 ounces) - oral
Pronunciation
(PEG/ih-LECK-troh-lite)
PEG (polyethylene glycol) with electrolyte is used to clean out the intestines before certain bowel exam procedures such as colonoscopy. It is a laxative that works by drawing large amounts of water into the colon. This results in watery bowel movements. Clearing stool from the intestines helps your doctor to better examine the intestines during your procedure.
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a new prescription for it. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Follow any special diet instructions provided by your doctor. Be sure to ask your doctor which foods/liquids you may eat or drink before the procedure; otherwise the exam may have to be repeated. After you start drinking this medication, do not eat any solid food until after your procedure is done. To prevent becoming dehydrated, drink plenty of clear liquids as directed by your doctor.
This product comes with 2 doses. You may be instructed to take the first dose the evening before the procedure and the second dose the morning of the procedure (about 12 hours apart) or to take both doses (at least 2 hours apart) the morning of the procedure. You should finish your second dose of the medication and any other clear liquids at least 2 hours before your procedure. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Before using this product, mix each dose with water in the mixing container as directed. Read and follow all directions provided by the manufacturer to mix this product. Drink all the liquid in the mixing container over 30 minutes. After finishing your dose, fill the mixing container with clear liquid and drink all the liquid over another 30 minutes. Drink additional clear liquid as directed by your doctor.
This product may cause certain liquid thickeners (starch-based products) to not work well, which may increase the risk of choking. If you are using liquid thickeners with this product, talk to your pharmacist to select a liquid thickener which will not interact with this product.
Watery bowel movements usually begin about 1 hour after you start to drink the mixed liquid. The bowel movements can be very large and watery.
Do not take any other medications by mouth within 1 hour of starting to drink the mixed liquid because your body may not absorb the other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure when to take your other medications.
Very watery bowel movements are expected with this medication. Nausea, bloating, or feelings of fullness in the stomach/abdomen are very common. Stomach/abdominal cramps and vomiting occur less often. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If severe bloating or abdominal pain occurs, drink the mixture more slowly or briefly stop drinking the mixture until the symptoms get better.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking PEG with electrolyte, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
This medication may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet, ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this medication safely.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dehydration and loss of salts in the blood (such as potassium, sodium).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug are:
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood mineral levels) should be done before and while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is important to take each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store the powder or mixed solution at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not store in the bathroom. The mixed solution should be used within 24 hours after mixing. Discard any unused mixture. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Information last revised May 2024.
Copyright(c) 2024 First Databank, Inc.
Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.