Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES)

Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES) is used to cleanse the bowel before a gastrointestinal examination or surgery. It works by causing diarrhea. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES) comes as a powder to take by mouth. You should prepare the solution in the container; follow the instructions on the label carefully. An 8-ounce (240-milliliter) glass of solution should be rapidly swallowed every 10 minutes until the prescribed amount of liquid has been taken or your stool is watery, clear, and free of solid matter. Your doctor will tell you at what time you should begin drinking PEG-ES. You should not eat for at least 3 to 4 hours before you are told to begin drinking PEG-ES. You should not take any oral medications within 1 hour of starting PEG-ES. You should begin having bowel movements within 1 hour of beginning PEG-ES. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take PEG-ES exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>PEG-ES may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
nausea</li>
<li>
stomach pain</li>
<li>
bloating</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
rectal irritation</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
rash</li>
<li>
hives</li>
<li>
skin irritation</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking PEG-ES, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to PEG-ES or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins or herbal products. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a gastrointestinal disease or obstruction.