Proper Use of This Medicine

Your doctor may have special instructions for you, depending on the type of test you are going to have. If you have not received such instructions or if you do not understand them, check with your doctor in advance.

Take the PEG-electrolyte solution exactly as directed . Otherwise, the test you are going to have may not work and may have to be done again.

It will take close to 3 hours to drink all of the PEG-electrolyte solution. The first bowel movement may start an hour or so after you start drinking the solution. Continue drinking all the solution to get the best results , unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Do not eat anything for at least 3 hours before taking the PEG-electrolyte solution . If you do so, the colon may not get completely clean. If you are drinking the PEG-electrolyte solution the evening before the test, you may drink clear liquids (e.g., water, ginger ale, decaffeinated cola, decaffeinated tea, broth, gelatin) up until the time of the test. However, check first with your doctor.

For patients using the powder form of this medicine :

• The powder must be mixed with water before it is used . Add lukewarm water to the fill mark on the bottle.
• Shake well until all the ingredients are dissolved.
• Do not add any other ingredients, such as flavoring, to the solution.
• After you mix the solution, you must use it within 48 hours.

Dosing—Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the usual amount taken of PEG-electrolyte solution. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so:

• For cleaning the colon:
  • For oral dosage forms (oral solution and powder for oral solution):
    • Adults and teenagers—Drink one full glass (8 ounces) of the PEG-electrolyte solution rapidly every ten minutes. If you sip small amounts of the solution, it will not work as well.
    • Children—The amount of PEG-electrolyte solution taken is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. It is usually 25 to 40 milliliters (mL) per kilogram (kg) (11.3 to 18.2 mL per pound) of body weight per hour.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Store the solution in the refrigerator to improve the taste. However, keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep any leftover solution. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.