DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes for Solution (Jug) (GoLYTELY) (pol-ee-ETH-i-leen GLYE-kole/e-LECK-troe-lites)
Brand Name: GoLYTELY

GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) is used for:

Cleaning out the bowel before surgery or other procedures. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) is a laxative. It works by causing the colon to move contents along more quickly.

Do NOT use GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in GoLYTELY Solution (Jug)
• you have appendicitis or a history of stomach or bowel disease (eg, blockage, retention, perforation, toxic inflammation, megacolon, ileus)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using GoLYTELY Solution (Jug):

Some medical conditions may interact with GoLYTELY Solution (Jug). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a throat (esophagus) disease, ulcerative colitis, heart disease (eg, irregular heartbeat, congestive heart failure), swallowing problems (eg, history of aspiration or regurgitation), impaired gag reflex, electrolyte imbalances (eg, high blood potassium levels), or rectal bleeding of unknown cause
• if you have a history of alcohol use

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with GoLYTELY Solution (Jug). However, no specific interactions with GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use GoLYTELY Solution (Jug):

Use GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Your doctor will tell you when to start using GoLYTELY Solution (Jug). Do not eat any solid foods for at least 2 hours before beginning GoLYTELY Solution (Jug). It is preferred that you do not eat for 3 to 4 hours before beginning GoLYTELY Solution (Jug).
• Drink only clear liquids and do not eat any solid foods from the time you start GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) until your procedure is complete.
• Before using GoLYTELY Solution (Jug), fill the container with the amount of water indicated on the package label. Use lukewarm water to mix GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) to help the medicine dissolve faster. Shake well.
• Chilling GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) improves the taste. Do not add sugar, sweetening agents, or other additives to GoLYTELY Solution (Jug).
• Shake well before each use.
• Drink 8 ounces (240 mL) of GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) every 10 minutes until the stool is watery, clear, and free of all solid matter, or until the medicine is gone. At least 3 liters is usually required to produce the watery stool. It is best to drink all of GoLYTELY Solution (Jug). Be sure to follow the instructions provided by your doctor. It is best to drink each portion quickly rather than sipping it. Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash after each glass of medicine may help get rid of the taste.
• Other medicines taken by mouth within 1 hour of taking GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) may not be absorbed or be effective. Contact your doctor or pharmacist with any concerns you might have about taking your other medicines.
• If you miss a dose of GoLYTELY Solution (Jug), take it as soon as you remember. Continue to take it as directed by your doctor. Notify your doctor if you are unable to finish taking GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) before your test.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use GoLYTELY Solution (Jug).

Important safety information:

• The first bowel movement usually occurs about 1 hour after you begin drinking GoLYTELY Solution (Jug).
• Keep all doctor and lab appointments while you are taking GoLYTELY Solution (Jug).
• Use GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) with caution in patients who are unconscious or partially conscious because they may be at greater risk for vomiting and inhaling GoLYTELY Solution (Jug).
• Use GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) while you are pregnant. It is not known if GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use GoLYTELY Solution (Jug), check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of GoLYTELY Solution (Jug):

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Bloating; nausea; rectal irritation; stomach fullness or cramps; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; muscle weakness; persistent or severe nausea and vomiting; severe bloating or abdominal swelling; severe stomach pain; slow or irregular heartbeat; vomiting of blood.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of GoLYTELY Solution (Jug):

Before mixing, store GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) at room temperature, 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. After preparing the solution, store GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) in the refrigerator in a tightly closed container. Use within 48 hours. Discard any unused portion of GoLYTELY Solution (Jug). Keep GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about GoLYTELY Solution (Jug), please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• GoLYTELY Solution (Jug) is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about GoLYTELY Solution (Jug). If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.