R R

What Is GoLYTELY?

GoLYTELY is a bowel preparation containing polyethylene glycol 3350 and electrolytes. Adults use it to cleanse the colon before a colonoscopy or barium enema X-ray examination. The powder is mixed with water before it is consumed.

Link to This Resource Page

Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.

To display this...

What Is GoLYTELY?

GoLYTELY is a bowel preparation containing polyethylene glycol 3350 and electrolytes. Adults use it to cleanse the colon before a colonoscopy or barium enema X-ray examination. The powder is mixed with water before it is consumed.

read more about golytely ...

Copy this HTML:

Copy HTML Copied!

How GoLYTELY Works

Polyethylene glycol retains water in the colon. This produces watery stools that clear material from the bowel. The added electrolytes are part of the preparation, but fluid and electrolyte problems can still occur.

How to Take GoLYTELY

Fill the supplied container with water to its marked four-liter line and mix it as directed. Follow the timing and drinking instructions provided for your examination. Drink the permitted clear liquids as instructed, and avoid red or purple liquids.

Possible Side Effects

Nausea, bloating, abdominal fullness, cramps, and vomiting can occur. Contact your care team if you develop severe abdominal pain, significant vomiting, or signs of dehydration. Rare fluid and electrolyte disturbances can lead to more serious problems.

Precautions Before Bowel Preparation

Tell your clinician about kidney disease, heart problems, or medicines you take by mouth. GoLYTELY must not be used with certain conditions, including bowel obstruction or perforation. Do not take other laxatives with it unless your care team directs you to.

Frequently Asked Questions About GoLYTELY

What is GoLYTELY used for?

It clears the colon before certain examinations in adults. It is a bowel preparation, not the same dosing regimen as polyethylene glycol powder for occasional constipation.

How much water is added to GoLYTELY?

Add water to the four-liter line on the supplied container. Follow the product instructions for mixing and storage.

Can I take my usual oral medicines during the preparation?

GoLYTELY can affect the absorption of medicines taken by mouth. Its label says not to take oral medicines within one hour before starting or while drinking the preparation.

What if GoLYTELY makes me very bloated?

The label advises slowing or temporarily stopping the preparation if severe bloating, distention, or abdominal pain develops. Contact your care team for further instructions.

References

Colonoscopy Bowel Prep: Golytely, Nulytely, Trilyte, Colyte. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21216-golytely-nulytely-trilyte-or-colyte-polyethylene-glycol-3350-and-electrolytes-bowel-preparation-instructions. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Colonoscopy Prep: Instructions, Types and Expectations - UChicago Medicine. UChicago Medicine. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/cancer/types-treatments/colorectal-cancer/screening-diagnosis/colonoscopy. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

GoLYTELY (polyethylene glycol 3350 and electrolytes): Prescribing Information. DailyMed (National Library of Medicine). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7609ecf7-0ce0-4fbb-9c27-30987f689575. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Polyethylene glycol 3350 and electrolytes (oral route) - Side effects & dosage. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/polyethylene-glycol-3350-and-electrolytes-oral-route/description/drg-20062627. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601097.html. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.