Nulytely
Generic Name: polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (pall ee ETH il een GLYE kol ee LEK troe lyte)
Brand Names: Colyte, Go-Evac, Golytely, MiraLax, Nulytely, PEG-3350 with Electolytes
What is Nulytely (polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution)?
Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution is a laxative solution that increases the amount of
water in the intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movements. This medication also contains
potassium, sodium, and other minerals to replace electrolytes that are passed from the body in the
stool.
Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution is used to clean the bowel before colonoscopy, a
barium x-ray, or other intestinal procedures.
Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Nulytely (polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution)?
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are not able to consume all of the solution.
Incomplete cleansing of the bowel may affect the scheduled procedure.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking
Nulytely (polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution)?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol or any other
electrolyte solutions (such as Pedialyte or Gatorade), or if you have:
If you have any these conditions, you could have dangerous or
life-threatening side effects from polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution.
People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this
medication without the advice of a doctor.
Before taking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution, tell your doctor if you are allergic
to any drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests
during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution passes into breast
milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults may be more likely to have serious side effects from this medicine.
How should I take Nulytely (polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution)?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Do not take polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution if it has been less than 2 hours
since you last ate solid food. For best results, take the medicine 3 to 4 hours after you last ate.
Do not add any flavorings to this medicine, such as sugar, honey,
artificial sweetener, fruit juices, or other beverages.
Chilling the medicine in a refrigerator may make it taste better.
Shake the liquid well just before you measure a dose. Drink this medicine in the
exact portions at the exact time intervals prescribed by your doctor.
Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution will produce watery diarrhea. Keep taking the
medicine until your stool is watery and clear. In most cases, at least 3 liters of polyethylene
glycol electrolyte solution is needed for the full effect.
The usual dose of the medication is 8 ounces every 10 minutes. Drink each portion as
quickly as possible, rather than sipping it slowly. The first watery stool should appear within 1
hour after you start drinking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution.
You may be instructed not to drink or eat anything before your medical test or
procedure. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should
drink for at least 24 hours before and after your test or procedure.
Throw away any polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution you have not used within 48
hours after it was mixed.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Talk to your doctor if you cannot drink all of the medication prescribed for you. Your test
or procedure may need to be rescheduled if your bowel is not completely cleansed.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine at one time.
An overdose of this medication is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid while taking Nulytely (polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution)?
Avoid taking other medications, vitamins, or mineral supplements within 1 hour before
drinking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution. Any medications you take just before a bowel
cleansing will not be properly absorbed into your body.
Do not use other laxatives while using polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution unless
your doctor has told you to.
Nulytely (polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
severe stomach pain or bloating;
-
no bowel movement within 2 hours after use; or
-
gagging, choking, or vomiting.
If you have any of these side effects, you may need to drink the
medication more slowly, or stop using it for a short time.
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
-
mild stomach cramps, gas, or bloating;
-
rectal pain or irritation;
-
nausea; or
-
passing gas.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Nulytely (polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution)?
There may be other drugs that can affect polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution. Tell
your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a
new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has information about polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution written
for healthcare professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution is available with a prescription under several
brand names, such as GoLytely, NuLytely, MiraLax, and Colyte. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
-
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information
does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to
assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to,
and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given
drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate
for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.04. Revision Date: 2/26/07 2:08:24 PM.
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