Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and Electrolytes

PEGandelectrolytesare oral solutions used prior tocolonoscopyand other examinations or procedures to cleanse theintestines, in particular, the large bowel or colon. The PEG remains in the intestines where it retains water by producing an osmotic effect. This causes a watery凳子, in fact,diarrhea, which rapidly cleanses the bowel within hours. Polyethylene 3350 is used in all of the formulations. Since electrolytes (sodium, potassium, etc.) are lost withdiarrhea, electrolytes are added to the PEG to replace or prevent the losses. The electrolytes and their concentrations may vary from product-to-product. PEG andelectrolytecontaining products are mixed with water and drunk for the cleanse.

Examples of PEG and electrolytes brand names are:

• peg/electrolyte (Colyte)
• peg/electrolyte (Gavilyte-C)
• peg/electrolyte (Golytely)
• peg/electrolyte (Nulytely)
• polyethylene glycol 3350, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride,potassium chloride, sodium ascorbate, andascorbic acidoral solution (Moviprep)
• peg-3350, sodium chloride,sodium bicarbonateand potassium chloride for oral solution (Trilyte)

Side effects of PEG and electrolytes are:

• nausea,
• abdominal fullness,
• bloating,
• stomach cramps,
• gas,
• vomiting,
• dizziness,
• headache, and
• anal irritation.

Oral medications administered within one hour of the start of PEG and electrolytes may be flushed from the body and may not be absorbed.

PEG and electrolytes are available as oral powder for solution.

• Colyte, Golytely, and Gavilyte contain polyethylene glycol 3350, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium sulfate.
• Moviprep contains polyethylene glycol 3350, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid.
• Nulytely contains polyethylene glycol 3350, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate and potassium chloride.
• Trilyte contains polyethylene glycol 3350, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate and potassium chloride.
• Colyte, Nulytely and Trilyte are available with flavor packs.

The FDA classifies PEG and electrolytes aspregnancycategory C, which means that there is no evidence of safe and effective use of PEG and electrolytes forpregnantwomen. PEG and electrolytes should be given topregnantwomen only if clearly needed.

It is not known whether PEG and electrolytes enterbreast milk; therefore, PEG and electrolytes must be used with caution in mothers who arebreastfeeding.