HalfLytely and Bisacodyl is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements. This medication also contains potassium, sodium, and other minerals to replace electrolytes that are passed from the body in the stool.
HalfLytely and Bisacodyl is used to clean the bowel before colonoscopy or other intestinal procedure.
HalfLytely and Bisacodyl may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
On the day of your colonoscopy or bowel exam, do not eat solid food or drink anything other than clear liquids. Avoid drinking large amounts of water after taking HalfLytely and Bisacodyl. You may be instructed not to drink or eat anything before your medical test or procedure. Follow your doctor"s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink for at least 24 hours before and after your test or procedure.
Avoid taking antacids within 1 hour before you take the bisacodyl tablets.
Do not use other laxatives while using HalfLytely unless your doctor has told you to.
Talk to your doctor if you cannot drink all of the medication prescribed for you. Your test or procedure may need to be rescheduled if your bowel is not completely cleansed.
Before taking this medicine
Do not use HalfLytely and Bisacodyl if you are allergic to:
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bisacodyl (Bisac-Evac, Carter"s Little Pills, Dulcolax, Fleet, and others);
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polyethylene glycol (GlycoLax, MiraLax); or
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any other electrolyte solutions (such as Pedialyte or Gatorade).
You should not use HalfLytely and Bisacodyl 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 HalfLytely and Bisacodyl.
People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medication without the advice of a doctor.
If you have any of these other conditions, your doctor may need a adjust your dose of HalfLytely and Bisacodyl or order special tests:
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kidney disease;
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nausea, vomiting, or trouble swallowing;
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a history of bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or other chronic bowel disease; or
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if you are taking a diuretic ("water pill").
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether HalfLytely and Bisacodyl will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol 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. Do not give HalfLytely and Bisacodyl to a child unless your doctor has told you to.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I take HalfLytely and Bisacodyl?
Take HalfLytely and Bisacodyl exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
HalfLytely and Bisacodyl comes in a kit containing 2 bisacodyl delayed-release tablets and a bottle of HalfLytely in powder form. You will take the bisacodyl tablets first and then wait to have a bowel movement. Once you have a bowel movement, you will start using the PEG-3350 solution over a period of about 90 minutes.
Bisacodyl delayed-release tablets:
Do not crush, chew, or break the bisacodyl delayed-release tablets. Swallow the bisacodyl tablets whole with a glass of water. Delayed-release tablets are specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
You should have a bowel movement within 1 to 6 hours after taking the bisacodyl tablets. After your first bowel movement, start using the HalfLytely solution.
HalfLytely solution:
The HalfLytely powder must be mixed with water before you take it. Fill the container with water up to the 2-liter mark. Place the cap on the bottle and shake it until the powder is completely dissolved.
A variety of flavor packs are provided with the PEG-3350 powder. Use only one pack to add flavor to the solution. You may also prepare the solution without a flavor pack. Do not add any extra flavorings such as sugar, honey, artificial sweetener, fruit juices, or other beverages.
Shake the liquid well just before you measure each dose. The usual dose of PEG-3350 solution is 8 ounces every 10 minutes. Drink the solution in the exact portions at the exact time intervals prescribed by your doctor.
Drink each portion as quickly as possible, rather than sipping it slowly. The first watery stool should appear within 1 hour after you start drinking the HalfLytely solution.
You may store the mixed solution in a refrigerator but you must use it within 48 hours after mixing. Throw away any PEG-3350 solution you have not used within 48 hours after it was mixed.
PEG-3350 will produce watery diarrhea. Keep drinking the solution until you have consumed all 2 liters.
On the day of your colonoscopy or bowel exam, do not eat solid food or drink anything other than clear liquids. You may be instructed not to drink or eat anything before your medical test or procedure. Follow your doctor"s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink for at least 24 hours before and after your test or procedure.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Talk to your doctor if you cannot drink all of the medication prescribed for you. Your test or procedure may need to be rescheduled if your bowel is not completely cleansed.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Avoid drinking large amounts of water while you are using HalfLytely and Bisacodyl. Follow your doctor"s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. Drinking too much liquid can be unsafe while you are using HalfLytely.
Avoid taking antacids within 1 hour before you take the bisacodyl tablets.
Avoid taking other medications, vitamins, or mineral supplements within 1 hour before drinking the HalfLytely solution. Any medications you take just before a bowel cleansing will not be properly absorbed into your body.
Do not use other laxatives while using HalfLytely and Bisacodyl unless your doctor has told you to.
HalfLytely side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor if you have any of these serious side effects:
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seizure (convulsions);
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severe nausea, stomach pain or bloating;
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coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
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rectal bleeding;
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no bowel movement within 6 hours after use; or
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gagging, choking, or vomiting.
Some of these side effects may be prevented by drinking the medication more slowly, or not using it for a short time. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
Less serious side effects may include:
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mild nausea or vomiting;
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stomach cramps, bloating, or full feeling;
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rectal pain or irritation;
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vomiting;
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passing gas; or
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headache.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect HalfLytely and Bisacodyl?
Before taking HalfLytely and Bisacodyl, tell your doctor if you are also taking a diuretic (water pill), or any heart or blood pressure medications.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with bisacodyl and PEG-3350. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
