Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Your doctor may have special instructions for you, depending on the type of test you are going to have. If you have not received such instructions, or if you do not understand them, check with your doctor.

Take this medicine exactly as directed. Otherwise, the test you are going to have may not work as well and may have to be done again.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide and patient instruction leaflet. You must read, understand, and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

It is best that you do not eat any solid food for 3 to 4 hours before you start using this medicine. You must not eat anything for 2 hours before starting this medicine. Once you drink your first dose, do not eat anything until after you are finished with your test.

You may drink clear liquids (eg, water, ginger ale, decaffeinated cola or tea, broth, gelatin) up until 2 hours before the time of the test. However, check first with your doctor. Do not drink red or purple liquids.

To use the medicine:

  • Mix the powder with water before using it. Do not swallow the powder directly. Add lukewarm water to the fill mark on the bottle. If you are using flavoring powder that comes with the medicine, add it before adding the water. Do not add any extra flavorings or starch-based thickeners to the medicine.
  • Shake well until all the ingredients are dissolved. Use the solution within 48 hours.
  • Drink 240 milliliters (mL) of the mixed medicine about every 10 minutes until you finish all of the prepared solution or until your stool is clear and free of solid matter. It is best to drink it fast instead of sipping it.
  • You should have your first loose stool or mild diarrhea about 1 hour after you drink the medicine. This is how the medicine cleans out your bowels. You may have bloating or an upset stomach before the loose stools start.
  • If you cannot swallow the liquid, it can be given through a tube inserted into your nose.

Do not take any medicine by mouth within 1 hour before using PEG and electrolytes combination solution. Do not take another laxative while using this medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For cleansing of the colon:
    • For oral dosage form (powder for oral solution):
      • Adults—240 milliliters (mL) every 10 minutes. The first dose is usually taken early in the evening on the day before your medical test.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep the mixed solution in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 48 hours.