TriLyte

Generic name: Polyethylene Glycol-Electrolyte Solution Prep [ pol-i-ETH-i-leen-GLY-kol-ee-LEK-troe-lite-soe-LOO-shun ]
Brand names: Colyte, GaviLyte-C, GaviLyte-G, GaviLyte-N, GoLYTELY, NuLYTELY, TriLyte
Drug class: Laxatives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 21, 2024.

Uses of TriLyte:

• It is used to clean out the GI (gastrointestinal) tract.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take TriLyte?

• If you have an allergy to polyethylene glycol or any other part of TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep).
• If you are allergic to TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep); any part of TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Bowel block, hole in the bowel, or other bowel problems; electrolyte (like sodium, potassium, phosphate) problems; fluid loss (dehydrated); or had stomach or bowel surgery.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take TriLyte?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not use other laxatives or stool softeners unless told to do so by the doctor.
• If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk with your doctor. Some products have phenylalanine.
• If you are over the age of 60, use TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Some drugs may be used in children. Use care if TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep) is given to a child. Talk with the doctor to see if TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep) may be used in children. Talk with the doctor if you have questions about giving TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep) to a child.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (TriLyte) best taken?

Use TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep) as your doctor has told you. Follow all instructions you have been given closely. This includes when to take TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep), foods and drinks to avoid before the exam, and when to stop eating and drinking before the exam. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions.
• Do not take other drugs within 1 hour of starting TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep). Talk with your doctor about how to take your other drugs with TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep).
• Mix with water as told before you take TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep). Do not swallow the dry powder.
• Some products come with flavors that can be added to the solution. Only add flavors that come with the kit.
• Chill the solution to make it taste better. However, do not give chilled solution to an infant. Talk with your doctor.
• Shake well before use.
• Drink clear liquids before, during, and after taking TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep). Do not drink any liquids that are purple or red.
• Do not eat solid food while taking TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep).

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Call your doctor if you are not able to finish TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep) before your exam.

Related/similar drugs

MiraLAX, bisacodyl, lactulose, erythromycin, senna, Dulcolax, polyethylene glycol 3350, polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes, Movantik, GoLYTELY

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Swelling of belly.
• Very bad headache.
• Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Bleeding from rectum or rectal pain.
• This medicine may cause you to be dehydrated or have electrolyte problems. Rarely, this may be severe or deadly. Tell your doctor right away if you get dizzy, pass out, feel tired or weak, or are unable to pass urine. Tell your doctor right away if you have a fast or abnormal heartbeat, seizures, headache, mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, more thirst, not hungry, dry mouth or eyes, severe upset stomach or throwing up, or a change in the amount of urine produced.

What are some other side effects of TriLyte?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Stomach pain.
• Anal irritation.
• Bloating.
• Feeling full.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Stomach cramps.
• Trouble sleeping.
• More hungry.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out TriLyte?

• Store powder at room temperature.
• After mixing, store in a refrigerator. Check with the doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how long TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep) may be used after mixing.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep) is refilled. If you have any questions about TriLyte (polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution prep), please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer