What is Gialax? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Gialax overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • CeraLyte 50, CeraSport EX1, CeraLyte 70, CeraLyte 90, CeraORS 75, CeraSport, CeraSport Electrolyte Drink Mix, CeraSport Electrolyte Hydration Drink Mix, Drip Drop Hydration Powder, Enfamil 5% Glucose in Water, Gerber Replenish, Gerber Good Start Water, Gialax, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Electrolyte, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Pediatric Electrolyte, Equate ClearLax, GaviLAX, GaviLyte-C with Flavor Pack, GaviLyte-G with Flavor Pack, GaviLyte-N with Flavor Pack, Generlac, Gialax, Golytely, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Clear Lax, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Magnesium Citrate, Good Sense ClearLax, GoodSense magnesium citrate, Citroma, Constulose, Enulose

Generic Names:

  • Gialax

Uses:

  • Treats and prevents dehydration. Replaces water, salts, and minerals lost through diarrhea or vomiting., Treats constipation by helping you have a bowel movement. Sometimes used to empty your bowel before surgery or other medical procedures.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Electrolyte Supplement Combination, Antacid, Magnesium Containing, Antidote, Gastrointestinal Agent, Laxative, Hyperosmotic, Magnesium Supplement, Phosphate Supplement, Renal-Urologic Agent

Forms:

  • Liquid, Tablet, Packet, Tablet, Powder for Suspension, Capsule, Liquid, Powder for Solution, Packet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, By mouth

What is Gialax used for?

What form(s) does Gialax come in?

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Packet

  • Tablet

  • Powder for Suspension

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Powder for Solution

  • Packet

What are common Gialax dosages?

  • Bottle 1 Kit

Gialax images - What does Gialax look like?

  • Gialax
    1 kit bottle

How to take Gialax

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You might need to mix the liquid with at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water before you drink it.

  • You will need to mix the powder or the contents of the packet with water before using it. Most powders must be mixed with at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water. Make sure you understand how much water to mix the medicine with. Drink the mixture right after you mix it.

  • If you using this medicine to empty your bowel before surgery or medical tests, follow your health caregiver's instructions about when to use this medicine. It is important to follow the correct schedule.

  • Drink a full glass of water when you take this medicine, unless your health caregiver tells you otherwise. One full glass of water is about 8 ounces or 1 cup. Most people should drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water every day. Doing this will help soften your bowel movements, making them easier to pass.

  • You will need to mix the powder or the contents of the packet with water before using it. Most powders must be mixed with at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water. Make sure you understand how much water to mix the medicine with. Drink the mixture right after you mix it.

  • If you using this medicine to empty your bowel before surgery or medical tests, follow your health caregiver's instructions about when to use this medicine. It is important to follow the correct schedule.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You might need to mix the liquid with at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water before you drink it.

  • Drink a full glass of water when you take this medicine, unless your health caregiver tells you otherwise. One full glass of water is about 8 ounces or 1 cup. Most people should drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water every day. Doing this will help soften your bowel movements, making them easier to pass.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Some liquid brands of this medicine should not be used more than 48 hours (2 days) after the medicine was opened. Follow the instructions on the medicine label, and throw out medicine that has been open for more than 48 hours.

  • The liquid medicine that comes in a plastic sleeve can be frozen and eaten as a popsicle. You can also pour the medicine from the sleeve into a cup or glass to drink. Throw out any of the medicine that you do not use right away.

  • Do not add additional water or juice to the liquid brands of this medicine. Adding more liquids can cause the medicine not to work as well.

  • Do not heat the liquid medicine.

  • To use the powder medicine, follow the directions on the packet. Mix the powder with the correct amount of water in a cup or glass, and stir until all the powder is dissolved. Refrigerate any unused medicine in a closed container. Throw out any unused medicine after 24 hours (1 day).

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Do not add additional water or juice to the liquid brands of this medicine. Adding more liquids can cause the medicine not to work as well.

  • Some liquid brands of this medicine should not be used more than 48 hours (2 days) after the medicine was opened. Follow the instructions on the medicine label, and throw out medicine that has been open for more than 48 hours.

  • Do not heat the liquid medicine.

  • The liquid medicine that comes in a plastic sleeve can be frozen and eaten as a popsicle. You can also pour the medicine from the sleeve into a cup or glass to drink. Throw out any of the medicine that you do not use right away.

  • To use the powder medicine, follow the directions on the packet. Mix the powder with the correct amount of water in a cup or glass, and stir until all the powder is dissolved. Refrigerate any unused medicine in a closed container. Throw out any unused medicine after 24 hours (1 day).

What to do if you miss a dose of Gialax

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Dispose of outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Throw out any liquid medicine that has been open for longer than 48 hours (2 days). Throw out any of the powder medicine that has been open for longer than 24 hours (1 days).

  • After using the liquid medicine from the reclosable bottle, put the cap back on the bottle, and store any unused portion in the refrigerator.

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Gialax contraindications - Who shouldn't take Gialax?

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to lactulose, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, magnesium, or sodium phosphate. Make sure your doctor knows if you are allergic to any other laxative medicines. You should not use this medicine if you have a blockage in your intestines. Tell your doctor if you cannot have lactose, or if you have other digestive problems. Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or congestive heart failure (CHF).

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to potassium citrate, sodium chloride (salt), or sodium citrate. Do not give this medicine to a child who has had an allergic reaction to potassium citrate, sodium chloride (salt), or sodium citrate.

Gialax warnings

  • If you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, talk to your doctor. The amount of time before you should have a bowel movement depends on the type of laxative you are using. Some laxatives might cause a bowel movement in 30 minutes, and other laxatives could take as long as 48 hours (2 days).

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have diabetes or heart disease. Tell your doctor if you have trouble with magnesium, potassium, calcium, or sodium (salt) levels in your blood.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • If you are using this medicine for a long time, your doctor may need to check your blood at regular visits. Be sure to keep all appointments.

  • Some kinds of laxatives are not for long-term use. Other laxatives might be used over a long time period. Ask your doctor how long it is safe to use this laxative.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you or your child has kidney failure.

  • If your or your child's diarrhea or vomiting continues or gets worse, or if you or your child has sunken eyes, extreme thirst, or severe drowsiness, call your doctor or healthcare provider right away.

Gialax interactions & what to avoid when taking Gialax

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you or your child has kidney failure.

  • If your or your child's diarrhea or vomiting continues or gets worse, or if you or your child has sunken eyes, extreme thirst, or severe drowsiness, call your doctor or healthcare provider right away.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any other medicine for digestion problems, such as an antacid, or any medicine for your heart.

  • If you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, talk to your doctor. The amount of time before you should have a bowel movement depends on the type of laxative you are using. Some laxatives might cause a bowel movement in 30 minutes, and other laxatives could take as long as 48 hours (2 days).

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • Some kinds of laxatives are not for long-term use. Other laxatives might be used over a long time period. Ask your doctor how long it is safe to use this laxative.

  • If you are using this medicine for a long time, your doctor may need to check your blood at regular visits. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Gialax side effects - How does Gialax make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours.

  • Bleeding from your rectum.

  • Severe stomach pain, bloating, vomiting, or diarrhea.

  • Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching.

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, severe nausea or vomiting.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild stomach pain, cramps, gas, nausea, vomiting.

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