Golytely is a prescription medication used to empty the colon. It is taken before a colonoscopy (examination of the inside of the colon) or barium enema (a test in which the colon is filled with a fluid and then x-rays are taken). An empty colon will allow the doctor to have a clear view of the walls of the colon.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Serious side effects have been reported with Golytely.
Common side effects of Golytely include the following:
- nausea
- a feeling of fullness
- bloating
- cramps
- vomiting
This is not a complete list of Golytely side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Golytely (generic: polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution) is a prescription medication used to empty the colon. Golytely belongs to a group of drugs called osmotic laxatives, which work by causing watery diarrhea so that the stool can be emptied from the colon.
This medication comes in a powdered form that is mixed with water to form an oral (by mouth) solution. It should be taken after 3 or 4 hours of fasting (no food intake). In no case should solid food be eaten for at least 2 hours before taking Golytely.
Common side effects of Goltely include nausea, a feeling of fullness, and bloating.