PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl

Generic name: Polyethylene Glycol-Electrolyte Solution and Bisacodyl [ pol-i-ETH-i-leen-GLY-kol-ee-LEK-troe-lite-soe-LOO-shun-& bis-a-KOE-dil ]
Brand names: GaviLyte-H and Bisacodyl, HalfLytely and Bisacodyl, PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl
Drug class: Laxatives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 18, 2024.

Uses of PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl:

• It is used to clean out the GI (gastrointestinal) tract.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl?

• If you have an allergy to polyethylene glycol, bisacodyl, or any other part of PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl).
• If you are allergic to PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl); any part of PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Bowel block, enlarged colon, hole in the GI (gastrointestinal) tract, or slow-moving GI (gastrointestinal) tract.
• If you have electrolyte (like sodium, potassium, phosphate) problems.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not use other laxatives or stool softeners unless told to do so by the doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

Related/similar drugs

MiraLAX, erythromycin, bisacodyl, senna, polyethylene glycol 3350, Dulcolax

How is this medicine (PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl) best taken?

Use PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Tablet:

• Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• Take with a full glass of water.
• Do not take antacids within 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl).

Powder:

• Take PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl) as your doctor has told you. Follow all instructions you have been given closely. This includes when to take PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl), foods and drinks to avoid before the exam, and when to stop eating and drinking before the exam. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions.
• Do not take other drugs within 1 hour of starting PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl). Talk with your doctor about how to take your other drugs with PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl).
• Mix with water as told before you take PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl). Do not swallow the dry powder.
• Some products come with flavors that can be added to the solution. Only add flavors that come with the kit.
• Chill the solution to make it taste better.
• Shake well before use.
• Drink clear liquids before, during, and after taking PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl). Do not drink any liquids that are purple or red.
• Works best if you drink each part fast.
• Do not eat solid food while taking PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl).

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Call your doctor if you are not able to finish PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl) before your exam.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Swelling of belly.
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Bleeding from rectum or rectal pain.
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
• This medicine may cause you to be dehydrated or have electrolyte problems. Rarely, this may be severe or deadly. Tell your doctor right away if you get dizzy, pass out, feel tired or weak, or are unable to pass urine. Tell your doctor right away if you have a fast or abnormal heartbeat, seizures, headache, mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, more thirst, not hungry, dry mouth or eyes, severe upset stomach or throwing up, or a change in the amount of urine produced.

What are some other side effects of PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Bloating.
• Feeling full.
• Belly pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Stomach cramps.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl?

• Store powder at room temperature.
• Store tablets at room temperature.
• Store liquid in a refrigerator. Throw away any part not used after 2 days.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl) is refilled. If you have any questions about PEG-Prep and Bisacodyl (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution and bisacodyl), please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer