Health Library

Polyethylene glycol 3350/electrolytes/ascorbic acid (By mouth)

Helps empty your bowels before a colonoscopy. This medicine is a laxative.

Brand Name(s):

MoviPrep

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Powder for Solution, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Before you start this medicine, you may have clear soup or plain yogurt for dinner. Finish the evening meal at least 1 hour before you start this medicine. Do not eat any solid food from the time you start this treatment until after you are finished with your test.
• You may drink water or other clear liquids up until 2 hours before the time of the test, if your doctor says it is okay.
• Drink extra fluids before, during, and after you use this medicine to help replace the fluids that will be lost during your bowel movement. Do not eat or drink alcohol, milk, anything colored red or purple or any other foods with pulp.
• MoviPrep® can be used 2 different ways. Ask you doctor if you should follow the Two-day split-dosing plan or the One-day evening only dosing plan.
  • Two-day split-dosing plan: Take the first dose between 10 to 12 hours before the second dose. The second dose must be taken at least 3 ½ hours before your colonoscopy.
  • One-day evening only dosing plan: Take the first dose 3 ½ hours before bedtime the evening before the colonoscopy. Take the second dose 1 ½ hours after starting Dose 1.
• To use:
  • This medicine comes as a powder that you must mix with water before you drink it. Add warm water to the fill line in the container, then add the powder as directed. Do not add any extra flavorings or starch-based thickeners to the medicine.
  • When you are ready to start, drink 8 ounces (240 milliliters [mL]) of the mixed medicine about every 15 minutes.
  • 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 have severe bloating or stomach discomfort after you take the first dose, you may need to wait until your symptoms improve before you take the second dose or you can take smaller sips of the mixture.
  • Repeat these steps for the second dose.
  • When you have finished drinking the mixture, add 16 ounces of water to the container and drink that, too. Do this after each dose for the 2-day plan. Do this after the last dose for the 1-day plan.
• If you cannot swallow the liquid, tell your doctor right away.
• 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. You may refrigerate the solution before you drink it. Use the mixed medicine within 24 hours. Keep the container upright.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not take other laxatives (including bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate) while you are using this medicine. Do not take any medicine by mouth within 1 hour before you start using this medicine.
• Some foods and medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine to treat depression (including TCAs)
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib)
  • Starch-based thickeners
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease (including chest pain, heart failure, a recent heart attack), trouble swallowing, electrolyte or fluid imbalance, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or a history of seizures or heart rhythm problems (including arrhythmia, QT prolongation). Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or G6PD deficiency.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Heart rhythm problems
  • Seizures
  • Kidney problems
  • Stomach or bowel problems (including colitis, ulcers)
• This medicine may cause dehydration. Drink extra liquids before and after you take this medicine.
• 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.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these 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
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, cloudy urine
• Chest pain, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Confusion, weakness, muscle twitching
• Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, increased thirst or hunger
• Seizures
• Severe stomach pain or bloating, bleeding from the rectum, bloody or black stools
• Trouble swallowing, gagging

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bloating or feeling of fullness
• Burning, pain, or itching around your anus
• Tiredness
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024