Introduction

Ascorbic Acid (a-SKOR-bik AS-id), Polyethylene Glycol (pol-ee-ETH-i-leen GLYE-kol), Potassium Chloride (poe-TAS-ee-um KLOR-ide), Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Chloride (SOE-dee-um KLOR-ide), Sodium Sulfate (SOE-dee-um SUL-fate)

Helps empty your bowels (colon) before medical tests.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to polyethylene glycol, sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, sodium ascorbate, or ascorbic acid.

How to Use This Medicine

Powder for Solution

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Before you start this medicine, you may have clear soup and/or plain yogurt for dinner. Finish the evening meal at least one hour prior to the start of this medicine. Do not eat any solid food from start of this medicine until after you are finished with your test.
• Drink extra fluids before, during, and after using this medicine to help replace the fluids that will be lost during your bowel movement.
• This medicine comes as a powder that you mix with water before using. Make sure that you mix it completely with the correct amount of lukewarm water before you use it. Do not add any extra flavorings to the medicine.
• You may refrigerate the solution before drinking. The mixed solution should be used within 24 hours.
• About 1 hour after you drink the first glass of liquid, you may have your first loose stool or mild diarrhea. This is how the medicine cleans out your bowels. You may have bloating or an upset stomach before the loose stools start.
• Drink the mixture as directed by your doctor. Most people need to drink all of the liquid to get completely clear stools.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the carton containing the pouches of powder and the liquid for mixing with the powder at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, or light. Once the powder has been mixed with the liquid, refrigerate the solution and use it within 24 hours.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a diuretic ("water pill") such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), furosemide, spironolactone, triamterene, Demadex®, or Lasix®. Tell your doctor if you are using certain blood pressure medicines such as captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, Accupril®, Altace®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Mavik®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Zestoretic®, or Zestril®.
• Do not take any oral medicines for at least 1 hour after taking this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you gag or vomit easily, or if you have trouble swallowing, or have serious problems with your stomach or bowel (such as blocked bowel or complications of colitis). Tell your doctor if you have a condition called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
• This medicine may cause seizures in patients with electrolyte problems (eg, low sodium or potassium in the blood). Talk to your doctor if you are concerned.
• Your doctor may need to check your blood before and after the medical test to check for possible unwanted side effects from this medicine.
• This medicine contains phenylalanine. Make sure your doctor knows if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Chest pain, trouble swallowing, or neck pain or stiffness.
• Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Red or black stools.
• Seizures or tremors.
• Severe stomach pain or bloating.
• Trouble breathing, wheezing, or bluish lips and fingernails.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Burn, pain, and itching around anus.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Increased hunger.
• Nausea.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Upset stomach or mild stomach pain.
• Weakness.