What is Golytely: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Golytely overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • GaviLyte-C with Flavor Pack, GaviLyte-G with Flavor Pack, Golytely, Golytely, PEG 3350 And Electrolytes, 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:

  • Peg-3350/Electrolytes

Uses:

  • Treats constipation by helping you have a bowel movement. Sometimes used to empty your bowel before surgery or other medical procedures., Helps empty your bowels before a medical test. Also called PEG.

Therapeutic Classes:

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

Forms:

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

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, By mouth

What is Golytely used for?

Gavilyte-G used to clean out the intestines before certain bowel exam procedures such as colonoscopy or barium enema X-rays. It is a laxative and works by drawing large amounts of water into the colon.

What form(s) does Golytely come in

  • Tablet

  • Powder for Suspension

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Powder for Solution

  • Packet

  • Powder

  • Liquid

What are common Golytely doses?

  • Bottle 4000ML of 236GM

Common Golytely prescriptions

  • Golytely
    236gm of peg 3350/4000ml bottle

  • Golytely
    4000ml of 236gm bottle

  • Golytely
    1 solution reconstituted packet

How to take Golytely

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

  • It is best that you do not eat any solid food for 3 to 4 hours before you start using this medicine. You must not eat anything within 2 hours before starting. After you drink your first dose, do not eat anything until after you are finished with your test.

  • You may drink water or clear liquids up until 2 hours before the time of the test, if your doctor says it is okay. Do not drink red or purple liquids.

  • This medicine comes as a powder that you mix with water before you drink it. Do not swallow the powder directly. Some brands of this medicine also come with a packet of flavoring powder. You may use the medicine with or without the flavoring powder.

  • To use: Mix the powder with the right amount of lukewarm water. If you are using flavoring powder that came with the medicine, add it before you add the water. Do not add any extra flavorings to the medicine.Shake the container well to completely mix the powder and water. Use the solution within 48 hours.Drink 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of the mixed medicine about every 10 minutes until you finish all of the prepared solution or until your stool is clear and free of solid matter. It is best to drink it fast instead of sipping it.You should have your first loose stool or mild diarrhea about 1 hour after you drink the medicine. This is how the medicine cleans out your bowels. You may have bloating or an upset stomach before the loose stools start.If you cannot swallow the liquid, it can be given through a feeding tube.

  • Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the mixed solution in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 48 hours.

  • This medicine comes as a powder that you mix with water before you drink it. Do not swallow the powder directly. Some brands of this medicine also come with a packet of flavoring powder. You may use the medicine with or without the flavoring powder.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • To use: Mix the powder with the right amount of lukewarm water. If you are using flavoring powder that came with the medicine, add it before you add the water. Do not add any extra flavorings to the medicine.Shake the container well to completely mix the powder and water. Use the solution within 48 hours.Drink 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of the mixed medicine about every 10 minutes until you finish all of the prepared solution or until your stool is clear and free of solid matter. It is best to drink it fast instead of sipping it.You should have your first loose stool or mild diarrhea about 1 hour after you drink the medicine. This is how the medicine cleans out your bowels. You may have bloating or an upset stomach before the loose stools start.If you cannot swallow the liquid, it can be given through a feeding tube.

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

  • It is best that you do not eat any solid food for 3 to 4 hours before you start using this medicine. You must not eat anything within 2 hours before starting. After you drink your first dose, do not eat anything until after you are finished with your test.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the mixed solution in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused liquid after 48 hours.

  • Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.

  • You may drink water or clear liquids up until 2 hours before the time of the test, if your doctor says it is okay. Do not drink red or purple liquids.

  • 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Golytely

  • 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.

Golytely contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to polyethylene glycol, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, or sodium sulfate, or if you have stomach or bowel problems (including bowel perforation, toxic megacolon, ileus, or problems with stomach emptying).

  • 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).

Golytely 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.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease (including heart failure, thickening of the heart), a recent heart attack, heart rhythm problems (including arrhythmia, prolonged QT), chest pain, electrolyte imbalance, stomach or bowel problems (including inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis), trouble swallowing, or a history of seizures.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Dehydration, including low blood pressureHeart rhythm problemsSeizuresBowel problems, including ulcers, ischemic colitis

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

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

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, or muscle cramps

  • Fast or uneven heartbeat

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Seizures

  • Severe stomach pain or bloating, bloody or black stools

Golytely interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how PEG electrolyte solution works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Blood pressure medicine (including an ACE inhibitor, ARBs)Diuretic (water pill)Medicine to treat depression (including TCAs)NSAIDs (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)Other laxatives (including bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate)

  • Do not take any medicine by mouth within 1 hour before you take PEG electrolyte solution.

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

  • 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.

Golytely side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Seizures

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

  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate

  • Chest pain, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, rapid breathing

  • Severe stomach pain or bloating, bloody or black stools

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Confusion, weakness, muscle cramps or twitching

  • Severe stomach pain or bloating, bloody or black stools

  • 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.

  • Vomiting

  • Mild nausea, bloating or feeling of fullness

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