This medication is used to clean the intestine to
prepare you for rectal or bowel examinations.
This product is a combination of two laxatives,
bisacodyl and PEG with electrolyte. Bisacodyl works directly on the large
intestine to make you have bowel movements. It is known as a stimulant-type
laxative. PEG with electrolyte works by holding water in the stool to cause
watery bowel movements. It is known as an osmotic-type
laxative.
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient
Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking
this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions,
ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this product by mouth exactly as directed by your
doctor. Do not take antacids for at least one hour before starting this
product. Take the prescribed number of bisacodyl tablets with water before
using the PEG with electrolyte oral solution. Do not chew or crush the
tablets. You should have a bowel movement usually within 1 to 6 hours after
taking bisacodyl. After you have your first bowel movement or after waiting
for a maximum of 6 hours, begin drinking the PEG with electrolyte oral
solution.
The PEG with electrolyte powder must be mixed with water
before use. Follow the instructions provided with the product or as
directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Fill the container with the correct
amount of water, cap the bottle, and shake well to make sure the powder
dissolves completely. Drink one full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of
the solution every 10 minutes until you finish the total amount prescribed
by your doctor. Rapid drinking of each glassful is preferred to drinking
small amounts continuously. Do not save any unused solution for future use.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use
this product.
PEG with electrolyte 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 medication, talk to
your pharmacist to select a liquid thickener which will not interact with
this medication.
If severe bloating or abdominal pain occurs, drink the
solution more slowly or temporarily stop drinking the solution until the
symptoms improve.
Do not take any other medication by mouth within 1 to 2
hours of starting this product since the other medication may not be
absorbed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about rescheduling your other
medications while you are taking this product.
Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions about your
diet before starting this product, while you are taking it, and after you
finish the product. It is usually recommended that you drink only clear
liquids and do not eat any solid food when you are preparing for your bowel
examination. Drink plenty of clear liquids as directed by your doctor to
prevent dehydration. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions.
Nausea, stomach fullness, cramping, or vomiting may
occur. These effects are usually temporary. If any of these effects last or
get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
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.
Vomiting that doesn't stop may result in dehydration.
Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration,
such as unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, or
dizziness/lightheadedness.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- nausea/vomiting that is severe or doesn't stop
- stomach/abdominal pain that is severe or doesn't go
away
- vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
- bloody stools
- rectal bleeding
- slowed heartbeat
- muscle weakness
- seizures
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
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:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
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 this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol; or to bisacodyl; 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:
- nausea/vomiting/abdominal pain that doesn't go away
- certain stomach/intestinal disorders (such as ileus, gastric
retention, bowel obstruction or perforation, ulcerative colitis, toxic
colitis or megacolon)
- problems with the esophagus (such as esophagitis)
- certain heart diseases (such as abnormal heart rhythms, heart
failure)
- kidney disease
- mineral imbalances
- seizures
- dehydration
- swallowing problems (such as dysphagia, history of
aspiration)
If you have a history of breathing food/liquids into the
lungs (aspiration) or trouble keeping food down (regurgitation), you may
need to be monitored by a health care professional when you take this
medication. Ask your doctor for more information.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug.
During pregnancy, this product should be used only when
clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also the 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.
Do not use other laxatives while taking this
product.
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.
Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your
doctor for more details.
If you forget to take this medication when directed or
remember too late to finish it, call your doctor for
instructions.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
After the oral solution is mixed, refrigerate it and use within 48 hours.
Do not store in the bathroom. 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.