HalfLytely And Bisacodyl Side Effects

Generic name: bisacodyl / polyethylene glycol 3350 / potassium chloride / sodium bicarbonate / sodium chloride

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 31, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about HalfLytely and Bisacodyl Side Effects associated with bisacodyl / polyethylene glycol 3350 / potassium chloride / sodium bicarbonate / sodium chloride. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name HalfLytely and Bisacodyl.

Applies to bisacodyl / polyethylene glycol 3350 / potassium chloride / sodium bicarbonate / sodium chloride: oral kit.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Use only as directed.

Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using bisacodyl and PEG-3350 and call your doctor at once if you have:

• no bowel movement within 6 hours after use;

• severe nausea, severe stomach pain or bloating;

• rectal bleeding;

• irregular heartbeats;

• headache, confusion, or a seizure;

• dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin; or

• signs of an electrolyte imbalance--increased thirst or urination, constipation, muscle pain or weakness, leg cramps, numbness or tingling, feeling jittery, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, or a choking feeling.

Tell your doctor right away if you have trouble drinking clear liquid.

Common side effects may include:

• feeling full or uncomfortable;

• stomach cramps;

• nausea, vomiting; or

• bloating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to bisacodyl/polyethylene glycol 3350/potassium chloride/sodium bicarbonate/sodium chloride: oral kit.

Gastrointestinal adverse events

Gastrointestinal side effects have been reported the most frequently. These have included nausea (17.1%), cramping (9.1%), abdominal fullness (22.3%), vomiting (5.9%) and overall discomfort (19.1%).

A small percentage of patients who received PEG-ELS have reportedly experienced Mallory-Weiss tears of the esophagus and esophageal perforation. In addition, at least one case of rectal prolapse has been reported.^[Ref]

Mallory-Weiss tears are quite rare with administration of PEG-ELS. In one study it occurred in only 0.06% of over 3,000 patients.

Complete rectal prolapse was reported in a 71-year-old who had been given 4 L of PEG-ELS. The patient was observed for 2 days and had no recurrence of the prolapse.

During administration of PEG-ELS (4 liters) two deaths occurred in patients with end-stage renal failure following the development of vomiting, diarrhea and dysnatremia.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects reported with PEG-ELS have rarely included urticaria and dermatitis.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects of PEG-ELS have included arrhythmias and asystole.^[Ref]

Cardiac arrhythmias, especially increased ventricular ectopy, have been associated with PEG-ELS use.

The manufacturer notes an isolated case of asystole following ingestion of PEG-ELS in a geriatric patient (equal to or greater than 60 years of age).^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects with PEG-ELS have rarely included anaphylaxis.^[Ref]

A 70-year-old male developed shortness of breath, wheezing, skin flushing, and lowered blood pressure after drinking a second glass of PEG-ELS.^[Ref]

Other

Other side effects with PEG-ELS have included rhinorrhea.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects with PEG-ELS have included sudden dyspnea with pulmonary edema, and 'butterfly-like' infiltrate on chest X-ray.^[Ref]

The manufacturer notes isolated reports of 'butterfly-like' infiltrate on chest X-ray following vomiting and aspiration of PEG-ELS and sudden dyspnea with pulmonary edema in geriatric patients (equal to or greater than 60-years-old).^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included tonic-clonic seizures.^[Ref]

Tonic-clonic seizures have been reported in patients with and without previous history of seizures following administration of PEG-ELS (4 liters).^[Ref]

Further information

HalfLytely and Bisacodyl side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer