What is Peg-3350/Electrolytes: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Peg-3350/Electrolytes overview

BRAND NAMES:

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

Generic Names:

  • Peg-3350/Electrolytes

Uses:

  • Helps empty your bowels before a medical test. Also called PEG.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antidote, Laxative, Hyperosmotic

Forms:

  • Powder, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Peg-3350/Electrolytes 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 Peg-3350/Electrolytes come in

  • Powder

  • Liquid

What are common Peg-3350/Electrolytes doses?

  • Bottle 4000ML of 236GM

Common Peg-3350/Electrolytes prescriptions

  • PEG 3350/Electrolytes
    4000ml of 240gm bottle

How to take Peg-3350/Electrolytes

  • 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Peg-3350/Electrolytes

Peg-3350/Electrolytes 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).

Peg-3350/Electrolytes warnings

  • 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

Peg-3350/Electrolytes 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.

Peg-3350/Electrolytes 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

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Vomiting

  • Mild nausea, bloating or feeling of fullness

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