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This medication is used to clean the intestine to prepare you for rectal or bowel examinations.
This product is a combination of two laxatives, bisacodyl and PEG with electrolyte. Bisacodyl works directly on the large intestine to make you have bowel movements. It is known as a stimulant-type laxative. PEG with electrolyte works by holding water in the stool to cause watery bowel movements. It is known as an osmotic-type laxative.
How to use HalfLytely Oral
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this product by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take antacids for at least one hour before starting this product. Take the prescribed number of bisacodyl tablets with water before using the PEG with electrolyte oral solution. Do not chew or crush the tablets. You should have a bowel movement usually within 1 to 6 hours after taking the bisacodyl tablets. After you have your first bowel movement or after waiting for a maximum of 6 hours, begin drinking the PEG with electrolyte oral solution.
The PEG with electrolyte powder must be mixed with water before use. Follow the instructions provided with the product or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Fill the container with the correct amount of water, cap the bottle, and shake well to make sure the powder dissolves completely. Do not add any other ingredients to the solution. Drink one full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of the solution every 10 minutes until you finish the total amount prescribed by your doctor. Rapid drinking of each glassful is preferred to drinking small amounts continuously. Do not save any unused solution for future use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use this product.
Do not take any other medication by mouth within one hour of starting this product since the other medication may not be absorbed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about rescheduling your other medications while you are taking this product.
Be sure to follow your doctor\'s instructions about your diet before starting this product, while you are taking it, and after you finish the product. It is usually recommended that you drink only clear liquids and do not eat any solid food when you are preparing for your bowel examination. Do not drink large amounts of fluids after taking this product. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Nausea, stomach fullness, cramping, or vomiting may occur. These effects are usually temporary. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify 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: persistent or severe nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds, bloody stools, slowed heartbeat, muscle weakness, seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: 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 this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol; or to bisacodyl; 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 disorders (e.g., ileus, gastric retention, bowel obstruction or perforation, toxic colitis or megacolon).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: problems with the esophagus (e.g., esophagitis), swallowing problems (e.g., dysphagia, history of aspiration), certain bowel diseases (e.g., ulcerative colitis), certain heart diseases (e.g., abnormal heart rhythms, congestive heart failure), severe kidney disease, mineral imbalances, persistent nausea/vomiting/abdominal pain.
The elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of this product.
During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
See also the How to Use section.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicine before checking with them 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 your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory tests (e.g., electrolytes, kidney function) may be performed before and after you take this medication to check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE:
If you forget to take this medication when directed or remember too late to finish it, call your doctor for instructions.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. After the oral solution is mixed, refrigerate it and use within 48 hours. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
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 August 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.
