Colyte And Laxatives: A Necessary Combination?

Colyte is a laxative used to clean the colon before a colonoscopy or barium enema X-ray examination. It is a combination of polyethylene glycol and electrolytes and works by drawing and retaining water into the large colon, softening the stool, and stimulating the rhythmic movement of the muscles in the colon, leading to a bowel movement. Colyte is available in powder form and must be mixed with water before consumption. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor when taking Colyte, including dietary restrictions and the recommended dosage.

Colyte's ingredients

Colyte is a medication used to clean the colon before a colonoscopy or barium enema X-ray examination. It is a combination of polyethylene glycol 3350 and electrolytes and belongs to a class of medications called osmotic laxatives.

Each 278g bottle of powder, which is to be dissolved in 4L of water, contains the following ingredients:

• 240g of polyethylene glycol 3350
• 5.84g of sodium chloride
• 2.98g of potassium chloride
• 6.72g of sodium bicarbonate
• 22.72g of sodium sulphate (anhydrous)

Colyte also contains non-medicinal ingredients, including magnasweet 185, pineapple flavour, and sodium saccharin.

Colyte is also available with flavour packs, which contain the following ingredients:

• Orange flavour pack: hypromellose, natural and artificial orange powder, saccharin sodium, colloidal silicon dioxide
• Lemon lime flavour pack: hypromellose, natural and artificial lemon lime powder, Prosweet® Powder Natural, saccharin sodium, colloidal silicon dioxide
• Cherry flavour pack: hypromellose, artificial cherry powder, saccharin sodium, colloidal silicon dioxide

How to prepare Colyte

Colyte is a laxative used to clean out the intestines before certain bowel exam procedures, such as a colonoscopy or barium enema X-rays. It is a powder that must be mixed with water before use. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Colyte:

Step 1: Gather the Ingredients and Materials

You will need a bottle of Colyte powder and one gallon (4 litres) of water. You may also use flavour packs, which are available in orange, lemon lime, and cherry flavours.

Step 2: Prepare the Colyte Solution

If you are using a flavour pack, open one flavour pack of your choice and pour the contents into the Colyte bottle. Then, replace the cap on the bottle and shake well to mix the flavouring into the powder. After that, remove the cap and add water up to the “FILL” line on the bottle. For a one-gallon bottle, this will be 4 litres of water. Finally, replace the cap tightly and mix or shake well until all the ingredients have dissolved. Do not add any other ingredients to the solution.

Step 3: Refrigerate the Solution

Once the Colyte solution is prepared, place the container in the refrigerator. Chilling the mixed liquid will improve its taste. The solution should be refrigerated until you are ready to drink it and must be used within 48 hours of mixing.

Step 4: Drink the Solution as Directed

Drink one 8-ounce (240 ml) glass of Colyte solution every 10 minutes. It is best to drink each glass of the solution quickly, instead of sipping it slowly. Continue drinking until your stool is clear, watery, and free of solid matter. This usually requires consuming 3 to 4 litres of the solution, but this amount may vary depending on the individual. It is important to follow the specific directions given by your doctor regarding when and how much to drink.

Step 5: Drink Clear Liquids

Along with the Colyte solution, you should also drink clear liquids before, during, and after taking Colyte to prevent dehydration. You can drink water, clear fruit juices (without pulp), strained lemonade, black coffee or tea, gelatin, and popsicles without pieces of fruit or fruit pulp. Avoid anything that is red or purple in colour.

It is important to note that you should not eat any solid foods for at least 3 hours before starting Colyte, while taking Colyte, and for 2 hours after taking Colyte.

How to take Colyte

Colyte is a prescription medicine used to clean the colon before a colonoscopy or barium enema X-ray examination. It is a laxative that works by drawing large amounts of water into the colon, resulting in watery bowel movements.

Step 1: Mixing Colyte

Colyte comes in powder form and must be mixed with water before consumption. Carefully read and follow the directions provided with the product to mix it correctly. After mixing, place the container in the refrigerator. Chilling the mixed liquid will improve its taste.

Step 2: Dietary Instructions

Follow any special diet instructions provided by your doctor. Do not eat solid food, usually starting on the day before your procedure until after it is completed. Drink clear liquids before, during, and after taking Colyte to prevent dehydration.

Step 3: Taking Colyte

Drink the mixed solution by mouth as directed by your doctor. It is best to drink the liquid quickly instead of sipping slowly. The recommended adult oral dose is 240 mL (8 fl. oz.) every 10 minutes. The first bowel movement should occur approximately one hour after starting to drink the solution. Continue taking Colyte until your stool is clear, watery, and free of solid matter. This usually requires consuming 3-4 liters of the solution.

Step 4: Timing and Other Medications

Take Colyte at least 3 hours before your procedure. Wait for at least 1 hour after the appearance of clear liquid stool before the examination to ensure complete bowel evacuation. Avoid taking other medications by mouth within 1 hour before or after taking Colyte, as it may affect their absorption.

Step 5: Side Effects and Precautions

Nausea, bloating, and stomach fullness are common side effects of Colyte. More severe side effects include stomach cramps, vomiting, and anal irritation. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist. Colyte can also cause serious side effects, including dehydration and changes in blood electrolytes, which can lead to abnormal heartbeats and seizures. Inform your doctor if you experience any serious side effects.

Colyte's side effects

Colyte is a laxative medication used to clean out the intestines before certain bowel procedures such as a colonoscopy or barium enema X-rays. It is a combination of polyethylene glycol and electrolytes and works by drawing and retaining water into the large colon, softening the stool, and stimulating the rhythmic movement of the muscles in the colon.

• Diarrhea and excessive stool frequency
• Dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)
• Nausea, abdominal fullness, and bloating (very common)
• Abdominal cramps, vomiting, and anal irritation (less common)
• Serious loss of body fluid (dehydration) and changes in blood salts (electrolytes)
• Abnormal heartbeats that can be fatal
• Seizures
• Ulcers of the bowel or bowel problems (ischemic colitis)
• Allergic reactions such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing

It is important to note that not all side effects may be listed, and individual experiences with Colyte may vary. If you experience any concerning or persistent side effects, it is recommended to consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Colyte alternatives

Colyte is a laxative formula used to clean the bowels before a colonoscopy, barium enema X-ray exam, or surgical procedures that require a clean colon. It is a combination of polyethylene glycol 3350 and electrolytes and belongs to a class of medications called osmotic laxatives. While Colyte is a popular choice, there are several alternative options available.

MiraLAX (Polyethylene Glycol 3350)

MiraLAX is a popular alternative to Colyte, also containing polyethylene glycol 3350. It is prescribed for bowel preparation, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. MiraLAX has received positive reviews, with an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 on Drugs.com.

Suprep Bowel Prep Kit

Suprep is another bowel prep kit option that can be used as an alternative to Colyte. However, specific information about its composition and effectiveness is not readily available.

Polyethylene Glycol 3350

Polyethylene glycol 3350, the active ingredient in Colyte, can also be purchased on its own and used for bowel preparation, constipation, gastrointestinal decontamination, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. It has received positive reviews, with an average rating of 7.0 out of 10 on Drugs.com.

Pico-Salax and Purg-Odan

Pico-Salax and Purg-Odan are "low-volume" alternatives to Colyte. Pico-Salax contains picosulfate sodium, magnesium oxide, and citric acid, which act as a laxative by stimulating muscle contractions in the colon and drawing water into the colon. While these alternatives are more palatable, they may not be as effective at cleaning out the colon, and there is a risk of electrolyte imbalances.

Saline-Based Formulas (NaP)

Saline-based laxatives include sodium phosphate (NaP) as the primary osmotic agent and often contain other mineral salts such as potassium and magnesium. They are available in tablet form, making them easier to swallow, and are equally effective when taken as directed. However, they may irritate the intestinal mucosa if you have an inflammatory gastrointestinal disease, and electrolyte imbalances can still occur.

Hybrid Formulas

Bowel prep formulas that combine an osmotic laxative with another type of laxative, such as MiraLAX, HalfLytely, and Prepopik, may be better tolerated and have fewer side effects.

Flavored Formulas

To improve the taste of Colyte, flavored formulas are available, including NuLYTELY and TriLyte, which are sulfate-free and less salty. However, it is important to avoid red-colored powders, as they may look like blood on your colonoscopy.

Adjunct Agents

Adjunct agents such as metoclopramide, ondansetron, and simethicone may help reduce nausea, bloating, and gas associated with bowel prep formulas.

Lemon and Ginger

Adding lemonade powder or ginger tea to your formula, or alternating sips between the two, can help reduce nausea and mask the salty taste.

It is important to consult your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable alternative for your specific needs and medical history. They can guide you in choosing the right preparation and provide specific instructions for your procedure.

Frequently asked questions