Health Library

Polyethylene glycol 3350/electrolytes (By mouth)

Magnesium Sulfate (mag-NEE-zee-um SUL-fate), Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (pol-ee-ETH-i-leen GLYE-kol 3350), Potassium Chloride (poe-TAS-ee-um KLOR-ide), Sodium Chloride (SOE-dee-um KLOR-ide), Sodium Sulfate (SOE-dee-um SUL-fate)

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

Brand Name(s):

Suflave

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• You may eat a low-residue breakfast (including white bread, biscuits, no wheat muffins, cornflakes, eggs, cream of wheat, grits, yogurt, cottage cheese, coffee, tea, juice without pulp, and fruits with no skin or seeds) up to 1 day before the time of the test. Do not eat anything red or purple.
• You may drink clear liquid (including water, fruit juices without pulp, lemonade, coffee, tea without cream or non-dairy creamer, chicken broth, gelatin) up until 2 hours before the time of the test. 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 or starch-based thickeners to the medicine.
  • Shake the container well to completely mix the powder and water. Use the solution within 24 hours.
  • Drink 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of the mixed medicine about every 15 minutes until you finish all of the prepared solution or until your stool is clear and free of solid matter.
  • 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.
• 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 24 hours.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Some foods and 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)
• Take chlorpromazine, digoxin, iron supplement, penicillamine, or antibiotics (including fluoroquinolone, tetracycline) at least 2 hours before or not less than 6 hours after taking this medicine.
• Do not drink anything at least 2 hours before the test.
• Do not take any medicine by mouth within 1 hour before you take 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 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
  • Heart rhythm problems
  • Seizures
  • Bowel 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.

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
• Chest pain, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Confusion, weakness, muscle cramps or twitching
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, rapid breathing
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Seizures
• Severe stomach pain or bloating, bloody or black stools

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

• Bloating or feeling of fullness, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps

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