Uses

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

Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet 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 bisacodyl. 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. 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.

PEG with electrolyte may cause certain liquid thickeners (starch-based products) to not work well, which may increase the risk of choking. If you are using liquid thickeners with this medication, talk to your pharmacist to select a liquid thickener which will not interact with this medication.

If severe bloating or abdominal pain occurs, drink the solution more slowly or temporarily stop drinking the solution until the symptoms improve.

Do not take any other medication by mouth within 1 to 2 hours 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. Drink plenty of clear liquids as directed by your doctor to prevent dehydration. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Side Effects

Nausea, stomach fullness, cramping, or vomiting may occur. These effects are usually temporary. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor 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.

Vomiting that doesn't stop may result in dehydration. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• nausea/vomiting that is severe or doesn't stop
• stomach/abdominal pain that is severe or doesn't go away
• vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
• bloody stools
• rectal bleeding
• slowed heartbeat
• muscle weakness
• seizures
• signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away 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 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

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.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• nausea/vomiting/abdominal pain that doesn't go away
• certain stomach/intestinal disorders (such as ileus, gastric retention, bowel obstruction or perforation, ulcerative colitis, toxic colitis or megacolon)
• problems with the esophagus (such as esophagitis)
• certain heart diseases (such as abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure)
• kidney disease
• mineral imbalances
• seizures
• dehydration
• swallowing problems (such as dysphagia, history of aspiration)

If you have a history of breathing food/liquids into the lungs (aspiration) or trouble keeping food down (regurgitation), you may need to be monitored by a health care professional when you take this medication. Ask your doctor for more information.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.

During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

See also the How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Do not use other laxatives while taking this product.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab tests (such as electrolytes, kidney function) may be done before and after you take this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. 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.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. After the oral solution is mixed, refrigerate it and use within 48 hours. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications 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.