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PEG (polyethylene glycol) with electrolyte is used to clean out the intestines before certain bowel exam procedures such as colonoscopy or barium enema X-rays. It is a laxative that works by drawing large amounts of water into the colon. This effect results in watery bowel movements. Clearing stool from the intestines helps your doctor to better examine the intestines during your procedure.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved US professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may be used, only as directed by your doctor, for constipation. However, when treating constipation, you should use milder products (such as stool softeners, bulk-forming laxatives) whenever possible. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options.
How to use Co-Lav Oral
Follow any special diet instructions provided by your doctor. Do not eat solid food for 3 or more hours before starting to take this product. Never eat solid food within 2 hours of drinking the mixed liquid.
Before using this product, mix it as directed. Read and follow all directions with the product package to mix this product. After mixing, place the container in the refrigerator until ready to drink. Chilling the mixed liquid will improve its taste. Do not mix with other flavorings/liquids. Do not drink with ice.
Drink the mixed solution by mouth. It may also be given through a nose-to-stomach (nasogastric) tube. Dosage is based on your medical condition, procedure, and response to treatment.
Drink one 8-ounce glass (240 milliliters) of the mixture every 10 minutes until your watery stool is clear and has no solid matter. Most people need to drink 3 to 4 liters of solution, or take as directed by your doctor. It is best to drink the mixed liquid quickly instead of sipping slowly. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to mix or take this product or what to expect after taking this product.
If severe bloating or abdominal pain occurs, wait longer (15-30 minutes) between each glass of the mixture, or temporarily stop drinking the mixture until the symptoms improve.
Watery bowel movements usually begin within 1 hour after you start to drink the mixed liquid. You may drink more clear liquids so that you do not lose too much body water (become dehydrated).
Do not take any other medications by mouth within 1 hour of starting to drink the mixed liquid because your body may not absorb the other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure when to take your other medications.
Nausea, bloating, or feelings of fullness in the stomach/abdomen are very common. Stomach/abdominal cramps, vomiting, and anal irritation occur less often. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, chest pain, fainting, sudden shortness of breath.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before taking electrolyte with PEG, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain stomach/intestinal problems (such as toxic colitis, obstruction).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe ulcers/swelling of the colon (ulcerative colitis), trouble swallowing (such as poor gag reflex, aspiration), history of vomiting easily/often.
Special caution should be taken if this medication is given to an unconscious or partly conscious person.
Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dehydration. Room temperature solution is better for infants. Children younger than 2 years may be more likely to develop low blood sugar from not eating. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms of low blood sugar in your child, such as shakiness, unusual sleepiness, abnormal/prolonged crying.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
See also How to Use section.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
Keep a list of all the products you use. Share the list with your doctor and pharmacist to reduce your risk for serious medication problems.
If overdose is suspected, contact your poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE:
Not applicable.
STORAGE:
Store the unmixed powder at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. After mixing the solution, store it in the refrigerator and use within 48 hours. Discard any unused mixture. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Different products may have different storage needs. Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist.
If your doctor has prescribed this product for constipation, keep the mixed solution in the refrigerator. Do not keep mixed solution longer than 30 days.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised May 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.
