What is GaviLyte-C?
GaviLyte C is a laxative that helps stimulate bowel movements. This medication contains minerals that replace electrolytes lost in the stool. GaviLyte C is used to cleanse the bowel prior to colonoscopy or barium x-rays, as well as other intestinal procedures. GaviLyte C may be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of GaviLyte-C
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical assistance immediately!
GaviLyte C may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- No bowel movement for 2 hours following use
- Vomiting;
- Dizziness, feeling like you might pass out;
- Little or no urination
- A seizure;
- Signs of an electrolyte imbalance include increased thirst or urination; confusion; constipation; muscle pain and weakness; and leg cramps.
If you experience certain side effects, it may be necessary to consume the liquid slowly or even stop using it. If you experience this, call your doctor to get instructions.
- Gagging, choking, or severe stomach pain
- Nausea, vomiting, headache, difficulty in drinking liquids and having little or no urinating are symptoms that require treatment;
- Fever, severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, or rectal bleeding
Gavilyte C may cause the following side effects:
- Vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, and bloating;
- Rectal pain or irritation
- Hunger, thirst, and mild nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness, chills.
There may be other side effects.Call your physician immediately if experiencing adverse side effects. For guidance regarding medication side-effects. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
MiraLAX, Erythromycin, Lactulose, Bisacodyl Senna Polyethylene Glycol 3350 and Dulcolax can all help relieve symptoms associated with diarrhea and chronic constipation.
Warnings
GaviLyte C should not be used if you suffer from colitis, a toxic megacolon, or a perforated or obstructed bowel. GaviLyte can have dangerous or even life-threatening effects on people who suffer from these conditions.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if:
- A perforated bowel
- Bowel obstruction, or severe constipation.
- Colitis or toxic Megacolon
Gavilyte C can have dangerous side effects or even cause death in patients with these conditions. This medicine should only be used by people with eating disorders.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Heart problems or an attack
- An electrolyte imbalance is a low potassium or sodium level in the blood.
- Kidney disease
- A seizure;
- GERD, ulcerative colitis, or any other stomach or bowel disorders;
- Aspiration (inhaling food or drinks accidentally) is a common cause of difficulty swallowing.
- G6PD deficiency (or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, gpdd for short) is an inherited genetic enzyme deficiency; or alternatively it could result from environmental influences on an enzyme production pathway; (g6pdd is often mislabeled "G6PD deficiency").
- Drug or alcohol abuse.
Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine contains phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria, talk to your doctor about using this medicine.
How to take GaviLyte-C?
Follow all instructions or guides provided with your medication and follow all directions as outlined on its label. Before use, the powdered polyethylene glycol must be dissolved in water. Add no flavorings like sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners, fruit juices, or other beverages. Be sure to shake the mixture thoroughly before measuring a dose. GaviLyte C should be consumed in exact amounts and at exact intervals, as prescribed by your physician. The instructions that come with this medicine tell you what and when to eat on the first day of your treatment. Instructions may vary depending on the brand. Do not drink GaviLyte C if you have eaten solid food within the last hour. Take the medication 2 to 4 hours following your last meal for best results. You should see the first watery stools within an hour of drinking GaviLyte C. Continue taking it until you've finished all prescribed doses by your doctor. Before, during, and after taking this medication, drink plenty of liquids, such as water, black tea, coffee, or clear soda. Avoid eating or drinking foods or beverages with pulp or that are red or violet in color. Avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 2 hours prior to your colonoscopy or any other medical test. Store powder unmixed at room temperature, far from moisture and heat. Store the solution in an upright position in the refrigerator. GaviLyte C should be thrown away after 24 to 48 hours if it has not been used (follow the instructions for your brand).
What happens if I miss the dose?
Speak to your doctor about not being able to drink the entire solution prescribed. If your bowels are not fully cleansed, you may need to reschedule your test or procedure.
What happens if I overdose?
Reach out immediately if a poison strikes and requires assistance by dialling 1-800-222-1222 or seeking immediate medical care.
What should be avoided?
Take GaviLyte C at least 1 hour after taking any other medication, vitamin, or mineral supplement. This can cause your body to have difficulty absorbing other medicines that you take by mouth. GaviLyte C should not be used with other laxatives unless you have been told to do so by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Heart or blood pressure medications;
- A diuretic, or "water pill."
- Medicine to treat mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety,
- Treatment for kidney disease or hyponatremia ();
- Seizure medication;
- Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, and Indomethacin are all NSAIDs.
This list is incomplete. GaviLyte C may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.