HalfLytely and Bisacodyl
Generic name:bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes [ bis-a-KOE-dil-and-pol-ee-ETH-il-een-GLYE-kol ]
Brand names: Half Lytely and Bisacodyl Lemon Lime, HalfLytely and Bisacodyl, HalfLytely and Bisacodyl with Flavor Packs
Drug class:Laxatives
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 8, 2021.
The HalfLytely and Bisacodyl brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
What is HalfLytely and Bisacodyl?
HalfLytely and Bisacodyl is a laxative that stimulates bowel movements. This medication also contains potassium, sodium, and other minerals to replace electrolytes that are passed from the body in the stool.
HalfLytely and Bisacodyl is used to clean the bowel before colonoscopy or other intestinal procedure.
HalfLytely and Bisacodyl may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
On the day of your colonoscopy or bowel exam, do not eat solid food or drink anything other than clear liquids. Avoid drinking large amounts of water after taking HalfLytely and Bisacodyl. You may be instructed not to drink or eat anything before your medical test or procedure. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink for at least 24 hours before and after your test or procedure.
Avoid taking antacids within 1 hour before you take the bisacodyl tablets.
Do not use other laxatives while using HalfLytely unless your doctor has told you to.
Talk to your doctor if you cannot drink all of the medication prescribed for you. Your test or procedure may need to be rescheduled if your bowel is not completely cleansed.
Before taking this medicine
Do not use HalfLytely and Bisacodyl if you are allergic to:
bisacodyl (Bisac-Evac, Carter's Little Pills, Dulcolax, Fleet, and others);
polyethylene glycol (GlycoLax, MiraLax); or
any other electrolyte solutions (such as Pedialyte or Gatorade).
You should not use HalfLytely and Bisacodyl if you have a perforated bowel, a bowel obstruction or severe constipation, or colitis or toxic megacolon. If you have any these conditions, you could have dangerous or life-threatening side effects from HalfLytely and Bisacodyl.
People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use this medication without the advice of a doctor.
If you have any of these other conditions, your doctor may need a adjust your dose of HalfLytely and Bisacodyl or order special tests:
kidney disease;
nausea, vomiting, or trouble swallowing;
a history of bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or other chronic bowel disease; or
if you are taking a diuretic ("water pill").
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether HalfLytely and Bisacodyl will harm an unborn baby. Tell yo...
