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Overview: Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid is taken to clean out your intestines before a colonoscopy. It works by pulling water into your intestines to cause watery diarrhea. Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, and headache. Serious side effects are much less common, but can include dehydration. It is important for you to follow any instructions from your healthcare provider about foods, drinks, and medicine while you are taking polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid.

Uses

What is polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid used for?

Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid is commonly used to clean the colon to prepare for a colonoscopy, which is a procedure done to prevent, treat, or monitor medical conditions of your large intestine.

Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid work (mechanism of action)?

Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid is a laxative. It works by pulling water into the colon (the part of the digestive system where poop is formed). It makes poop watery and easier to pass. This medicine causes diarrhea, which helps clean out the colon, making it easier for your healthcare provider to see inside your colon during a colonoscopy. This medicine also contains electrolytes. Electrolytes help prevent dehydration and other serious problems from diarrhea.

How is polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • MoviPrep
  • Plenvu

Dosage forms and strengths

  • oral powder for oral solution

How should I store polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid?

Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Some forms of polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid can also be stored in the refrigerator before mixing. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to store it.

After mixing with water, some forms of polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid must be stored upright in the refrigerator between 36 to 46 F (2 to 8 C). Others can be stored either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Once mixed, the liquid should be taken within 24 hours. Throw away any liquid that is left over after 24 hours. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store this medicine.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid?

The most common side effects of polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on which polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid you take. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting 
  • Dehydration (see below)
  • Upset stomach or indigestion
  • Stomach pain, bloating, or discomfort
  • Anal discomfort
  • Feeling hungry or thirsty
  • Chills
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble sleeping

There may be other side effects of polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid?

While less common, the most serious side effects of polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Dehydration. Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid may cause dehydration. Dehydration may lead to low blood pressure, especially when you stand up (orthostatic hypotension), or kidney damage. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of dehydration, low blood pressure, or kidney damage.

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Confusion
  • Unsteadiness
  • Peeing less than normal
  • Swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet
  • Loss of appetite or nausea
  • Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain or pressure
  • Seizures
  • Extreme thirst

Electrolyte Changes. Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid may cause changes to the levels of certain minerals in your body, called electrolytes. For example, it may cause low potassium levels (hypokalemia), low sodium levels (hyponatremia), or low chloride levels (hypochloremia). These changes can be serious. Keep appointments for blood work so that your healthcare provider can check your electrolyte levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of electrolyte changes. 

  • Weakness
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Muscle cramps or twitching
  • Constipation
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Restlessness or irritability
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Confusion or decreased alertness

Heart Effects. Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid may cause abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Call your healthcare provider or get medical attention right away if you have chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or if you feel your heartbeat more than usual.

Seizures. Some people who have taken polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid have reported having seizures. Your risk may be higher if you have had a seizure in the past. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Bowel Problems. Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid may cause bowel problems, including ulcers or ischemic colitis. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe stomach pain or rectal bleeding.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid.

  • Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid
  • MoviPrep
  • Plenvu
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid products they stock.

Stomach or Bowel Conditions. Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid should not be used if you have any of the following conditions related to the stomach or bowel.

  • Gastrointestinal or bowel obstruction, which is a blockage in your gut
  • Bowel perforation, which is a tear in the stomach or intestines
  • Gastric retention, a condition where you have problems emptying food and liquids from the stomach
  • Toxic megacolon (toxic colitis) which is when your intestine swell and do not work properly
  • Ileus, which is slowed or no movement in the gut

What should I know about polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid before using it?

Do not take polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. Follow the “Instructions for Use” to mix and drink this medicine. Chilling the medicine before drinking it may improve the taste. Your healthcare provider will likely give you a detailed list of what you can eat or drink the day before and while taking polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions. 

Your healthcare provider will likely give you specific instructions about taking your medicines while taking polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid. Follow these instructions. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions. 

Do not share polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid out of the reach of children. Since this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Do not mix polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid with starch-based thickeners. If you have trouble swallowing and use a starch-based thickener, consult your healthcare provider.

Do not use any other laxatives while taking polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid. 

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems, such as a recent heart attack, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, abnormal heart rhythm
  • Kidney problems or take medicine for kidney problems
  • Problems with dehydration 
  • Electrolyte problems, such as low sodium levels (hyponatremia)
  • Stomach or bowel problems, including ulcerative colitis
  • Swallowing problems or problems with your gag reflex
  • Problems with regurgitation (foods or liquids come back up after swallowing) or aspiration (accidentally inhaling food or liquids into the lungs)
  • Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD)
  • A history of seizures or take medicine for seizures
  • Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
  • Phenylketonuria (PKU)
  • Recently stopped drinking alcohol or taking a benzodiazepine, which is a medicine used for anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures

Other Medicines and Supplements. Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid acid may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid interact with foods or drinks?

Your healthcare provider will likely give you a detailed list of what you can eat and drink before and while taking polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid. While taking polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid, you should not eat any solid food or dairy. You should not drink milk or eat or drink anything that is red or purple. These things may keep polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid from working or be confused for blood during your procedure.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid. The risk of dizziness, dehydration, and electrolyte changes may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid.

Does polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid.

  • A medicine to treat an electrolyte imbalance
  • A blood pressure or heart medicine
  • Any medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A laxative, which is a medicine used to treat constipation by softening stools or stimulating your bowels
  • A medicine for depression or any other mental health condition
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
  • Medicines that can cause QT prolongation, which is a potentially dangerous heart rhythm problem

Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid?

If you or someone else has used too much polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid?

Polyethylene glycol/electrolytes/sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid is usually taken in one or two doses. Follow the instructions given to you. If you forget to take your dose or are not able to drink all of it, call your healthcare provider to see if you need to reschedule your procedure.