Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution is a laxative solution that increases the amount of water in the intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movements. This medication also contains potassium, sodium, and other minerals to replace electrolytes that are passed from the body in the stool.

Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution is used to clean the bowel before colonoscopy, a barium x-ray, or other intestinal procedures.

Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol or any other electrolyte solutions (such as Pedialyte or Gatorade).

You should also not take polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution if you have a perforated bowel, a bowel obstruction or severe constipation, or colitis or toxic megacolon. If you have any these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution.

People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not take polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution without the advice of a doctor.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you are not able to consume all of the solution. Incomplete cleansing of the bowel may affect the scheduled procedure.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to polyethylene glycol or any other electrolyte solutions (such as Pedialyte or Gatorade), or if you have:

• a perforated bowel;

• a bowel obstruction or severe constipation; or

• colitis or toxic megacolon.

If you have any these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution.

People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medication without the advice of a doctor.

Before taking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• nausea or vomiting;

• trouble swallowing; or

• a history of bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or other chronic bowel disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have serious side effects from this medicine.