Colyte (Polyethylene Glycol 3350/Potassium Chloride/Sodium Bicarbonate/Sodium Chloride/Sodium Sulfate) is a prescription powder for the solution used to prepare the bowel before specific surgical procedures such as colonoscopy to check for malignancy and barium enema x-ray to have a clear view of the bowel wall. The active ingredient in Colyte solution is Polyethylene Glycol 3350, and electrolytes include Potassium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Chloride, and Sodium Sulfate. Colyte belongs to the class of medication called osmotic laxatives. It works by causing diarrhea; however, the electrolyte constituents prevent dehydration due to excessive water loss during the procedure. Therefore, do not take other laxatives with the Colyte solution.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Colyte from Canada manufactured by Pendopharm Pharmascience in the strength of 857.69 mg/10.65 mg/24.02 mg/20.87 mg/81.2 mg powder for reconstitution per 4 litres. The generic version is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking Colyte. The most common side effects of Colyte may include:
• Abdominal pain;
• Abdominal distension;
• Diarrhea;
• Flatulence;
• Irritation of the anus;
• Nausea;
• Ulceration of the colonic walls
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, including:
• Feeling dizzy;
• Little or no urine;
• Loss of consciousness due to severe dehydration;
• Passage of bloody stool or bleeding through the anus due to mucosal ulceration;
• Severe headache;
• Severe stomach pain or bloating;
• Seizures
You should not take Colyte if you are allergic to Colyte or if you are currently using other forms of laxatives. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Have electrolyte imbalance such as low sodium and potassium;
• Have gastric retention;
• Have intestinal obstruction or perforation;
• Have kidney problems, including kidney stones;
• Have seizure disorders;
• Have toxic megacolon or toxic colitis
Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. It should be used with caution during pregnancy. Discuss the risk and benefits of using Colyte during pregnancy before using it. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Discussing your prescription with your doctor before using it, as a nursing mother, would be best. Colyte is a powder reconstituted with clean water and taken by mouth. It may also be given through a nasogastric tube for people who are chronically ill and cannot eat enough food by mouth. Colyte solution should be taken in the hospital under the supervision of a doctor. It is usually taken the evening before or on the morning of the procedure. Your doctor will direct you on when you should start taking the Colyte solution and how you should take it. You should follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor to explain any part you do not understand. You should use it as directed and drink enough water. Do not take more or less of it than prescribed by your doctor. Do not use other forms of laxatives while using Colyte solution. Do not eat solid food before the procedure. You should stay close to a toilet as it causes diarrhea, and you may need to visit the bathroom often. You should know that Colyte is used mainly to clear your bowel to allow the doctor to visualize the bowel and does not offer any therapeutic effects. After the procedure, you should inform your doctor if you have difficulty making urine or bleeding through the anus.
Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There is no known drug interaction between Colyte and other medications. However, you should avoid using multiple laxatives at once. This may worsen your diarrhea and consequent dehydration.
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