Polyethylene Glycol + Potassium Chloride + Sodium Bicarbonate + Sodium Chloride

Dosage Forms Available

• This combination is usually available as a powder that must be dissolved in water before it is taken. Depending on the product, the powder may be supplied in sachets or a large container.
• Do not swallow the powder without dissolving it. Mix it with the correct amount of water according to the product label or your doctor’s instructions.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• The age limit and dose depend on the product and its intended use. Some bowel-cleansing products are intended only for adults, while certain products may be given to children under medical supervision.
• Give this medicine to a child only when a doctor has prescribed a suitable product and dose based on the child’s age and weight.

Contraindications

• Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride or any other ingredient in the product.
• It should not be used in people with an intestinal blockage, a hole in the stomach or intestine, complete loss of bowel movement, delayed emptying of the stomach, severe inflammation of the large intestine or abnormal enlargement of the large intestine.
• Do not self-treat with this medicine if you have severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or abdominal swelling with a complete inability to pass stool or gas. Contact a doctor immediately.

Other Medications to Avoid With This Medicine

• During bowel cleansing, other medicines taken by mouth may not be absorbed properly. Medicines taken within 1 hour before starting the solution may be less effective. Ask your doctor or pharmacist when you should take your other medicines.
• Tell your doctor if you take water tablets, medicines for blood pressure, heart problems, kidney problems or seizures, or medicines used to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Do not take another laxative with this medicine unless your doctor advises you to do so.
• If you have difficulty swallowing and use a starch-based thickener in your drinks, consult your doctor before mixing this medicine with it.

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose may cause severe diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. Contact a doctor immediately if you take too much or develop severe symptoms.
• If you miss a dose prescribed for colonoscopy preparation, do not take it late or double the amount without advice. Contact your doctor or the examination centre immediately because the timing of the medicine is important.
• If you miss a dose of a product prescribed for constipation, follow the instructions on the pack or those given by your doctor. Do not take 2 doses together.

Management of Side Effects

• Frequent watery stools are an expected effect during bowel cleansing. Continue drinking the clear fluids recommended by your doctor.
• If you experience nausea or bloating, the solution may be taken more slowly if permitted by the product instructions or your doctor. Do not reduce or stop the dose without advice.
• For anal irritation, gently clean the area with lukewarm water and pat it dry.
• Stop taking the medicine and contact a doctor immediately if you have persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, severe dizziness or reduced urination.

Driving and Operating Machinery

• This medicine is not expected to cause drowsiness directly. However, it may cause frequent and urgent bowel movements.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy, weak or dehydrated. Remain at home and close to a toilet during bowel cleansing.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding depends on the product and the purpose of treatment. Take it during these periods only on a doctor’s advice.
• Tell your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney or heart disease, an irregular heartbeat, an electrolyte imbalance, a history of seizures or difficulty swallowing.
• Do not take this medicine without medical supervision if you are dehydrated, passing less urine than usual or already have abnormal sodium or potassium levels in your blood.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Carefully follow the eating and drinking instructions given by your doctor or examination centre when preparing for a colonoscopy.
• Before and during bowel cleansing, drink only the clear fluids permitted by your doctor. Avoid red or purple liquids because they may appear similar to blood during the examination.