Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Your doctor may have special instructions based on the schedule for your colonoscopy. If you have not received instructions, or if you do not understand them, check with your doctor in advance.

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

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

You must not eat any solid food for 2 hours before using this medicine. Once you drink your first dose of medicine, do not eat solid food until after your test.

You may drink water or clear liquids up until 2 hours before the test unless your doctor has different instructions. Do not drink red and purple liquids.

Do not take any medicines by mouth within 1 hour before taking this medicine. Oral medicines may not be absorbed properly while you are cleaning out your colon. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

To use the medicine:

  • Mix the powder with water before using it. Do not swallow the powder. 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 of 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 liquids, it can be given through a tube inserted into your nose.

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 oral dosage form (powder for solution):
    • For cleansing of the colon:
      • Adults—240 milliliters (mL) (8 oz) every 10 minutes.
      • Children 6 months of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 25 milliliters (mL) per kilogram (kg) every hour.
      • Children younger than 6 months of age—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.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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