What is GoLYTELY?
GoLYTELY stimulates bowel movement with its laxative solution. This medication contains minerals that replace electrolytes lost in the stool.GoLYTELY can be used to cleanse the bowel prior to a colonoscopy or any other intestinal procedure.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of GoLYTELY.
Side effects of GoLYTELY
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Golytely can 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 electrolyte deficiency include increased thirst or urination; confusion; dry mouth; constipation; muscle cramps; or weakness.
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; headache; difficulty drinking liquids or urinating.
- A fever is sudden or severe stomach discomfort, severe diarrhoea, or bright red bowel movement.
Golytely can cause the following side effects:
- Vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, bloating;
- Rectal pain or irritation
- Hunger, thirst, and mild nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness, chills.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Reaching out to the FDA with any adverse side-effect reports can be done at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
You should not use GoLYTELY in the event that you have a perforated colon, an obstruction of the bowel, severe constipation or colitis, or a toxic megacolon. People with these conditions may experience dangerous or even life-threatening effects from GoLYTELY.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if:
- A perforated bowel
- A bowel obstruction or severe constipation
- Colitis or toxic Megacolon
In people with these conditions, golytely may cause serious or even life-threatening effects.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;
- The condition can be caused by gastroesophageal acid reflux (GERD), colitis ulcerative, or any other stomach or bowel problem.
- Aspiration (inhaling food or drinks accidentally) is a common cause of difficulty swallowing.
- A genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;
- Drug or alcohol abuse.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.This medicine contains phenylalanine. If you have phenylketonuria, talk to your doctor about using this medicine.
How to take GoLYTELY?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Before use, the powdered polyethylene glycol must be mixed with water to create a solution. Add no flavourings like sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners, fruit juices, or other beverages.Be sure to shake the mixture thoroughly before measuring a dose. Drink GoLYTELY at the precise time intervals and in the exact amounts 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 Golytely If It Has Been Less Than 1 Hour Since You Last Ate Solid Food. 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 starting GoLYTELY. Continue to take the medication until all prescribed doses have been completed by your doctor.Before, during, and after taking this medication, drink plenty of liquids, such as water, broth, black tea, coffee, or clear soda. Avoid eating or drinking foods or beverages with pulp or that are red or violet in colour.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.Do not use any GoLYTELY that you haven't used in 24 to 48 hours after mixing (follow the instructions for your brand-specific medicine).
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?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Take Golytely for at least 1 hour after taking any other medications or supplements. You may find that a bowel cleanse can reduce the absorption of other medications you take orally.Use only Golytely when your doctor tells you to.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:
- Heart or blood pressure medications;
- A diuretic, or "water pill".
- Medicine to treat mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety.
- Treatment for kidney disease or hyponatremia
- Seizure medication;
- Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, and Indomethacin are all nsaids.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may also affect GoLYTELY. This list does not include all drug interactions.
