bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350... Health Article

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Doctor-reviewed Information, Multum Drug Directory, 2006

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Generic name(s):

bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes

Brand name(s):

bisacodyl-PEG 3350 with electrolytes, Half Lytely and Bisacodyl Lemon Lime, HalfLytely and Bisacodyl, HalfLytely and Bisacodyl with Flavor Packs

What is the most important information I should know about bisacodyl and PEG-3350?

On the day of your colonoscopy or bowel exam, do not eat solid food or drink anything other than clear liquids. Avoid drinking large amounts of water after taking this medication. 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.

Avoid taking antacids within 1 hour before you take the bisacodyl tablets.

Do not use other laxatives while using bisacodyl and PEG-3350 unless your doctor has told you to.

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 is bisacodyl and PEG-3350?

Bisacodyl and PEG-3350 is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements. This medication also contains potassium, sodium, and other minerals to replace electrolytes that are passed from the body in the stool.

Bisacodyl and PEG-3350 is used to clean the bowel before colonoscopy or other intestinal procedure.

Bisacodyl and PEG-3350 may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking bisacodyl and PEG-3350?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to:

bisacodyl (Bisac-Evac, Carter's Little Pills, Dulcolax, Fleet, and others);
polyethylene glycol (GlycoLax, MiraLax); or
any other electrolyte solutions (such as Pedialyte or Gatorade).

You should not use bisacodyl and PEG-3350 with electrolytes if you have a perforated bowel, a bowel obstruction or severe constipation, or colitis or toxic megacolon. If you have any these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from bisacodyl and PEG-3350.

People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medication without the advice of a doctor.

Before taking bisacodyl and PEG-3350, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

kidney disease;
nausea, vomiting, or trouble swallowing;
a history of bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or other chronic bowel disease; or
if you are taking a diuretic ("water pill").

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

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 bisacodyl and PEG-3350 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. Do not give this medicine to a child unless your doctor has told you to.

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