Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

To prepare the mixture:

  • Empty the contents of the packet (Dose 1) into the mixing container.
  • Add at least 16 ounces (oz) of water to the fill line. Do not add any other liquid or starch-based thickeners to the medicine.
  • Mix with a spoon or put the lid on the container and shake for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is completely dissolved.
  • Rinse the mixing container with water and refill it with clear liquids (16 oz) within 30 minutes.
  • For Dose 2, repeat the steps for Dose 1, but you should empty the contents of the two dose pouches (A and B) into the mixing container at the same time.

It is best if you do not eat any solid food before taking this medicine and until after your colonoscopy.

You may drink clear liquids (eg, water) up until 2 hours before the time of the test. However, check first with your doctor. Do not eat or drink alcohol, milk, or anything red or purple liquids or foods with pulp.

If you take other medicines, take them at least 1 hour before you start this medicine.

You may take this medicine 2 ways: the One-Day Morning Dosing schedule or the Two-Day Split Dosing schedule.

  • One-Day Morning Dosing:
    • You may eat a light breakfast and lunch one day before the procedure. You may also have clear broth soup or plain yogurt for dinner (about 8 PM). You should not eat the morning of your colonoscopy.
  • Two-Day Split Dosing:
    • You may eat a light breakfast and lunch one day before the procedure. You should finish eating your lunch at least 3 hours before you start using this medicine.

You should have your first loose stool or mild diarrhea about 1 to 2 hours 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.

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 the bowels:
      • Adults—Your doctor will tell you how to use this medicine, either by the One-Day Morning Dosing option or the Two-Day Split Dosing option.
        • One-Day Morning Dosing: Take the first dose the morning of your colonoscopy (between 3 AM and 7 AM), then the second dose about 2 hours after. You should have taken the second dose at least 2 hours before your colonoscopy.
        • Two-Day Split Dosing: Take the first dose in the evening (between 4 PM and 8 PM), then the second dose 12 hours after. You should have taken the second dose at least 2 hours before your colonoscopy.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

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.

You may store the unopened medicine and the oral liquid at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You may use this medicine within 6 hours after mixing it with water. Throw away any unused oral liquid after 6 hours.