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Golytely vs. Dulcolax

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

PEG 3350/electrolytes (Golytely, Nulytely, and Moviprep) and bisacodyl (Dulcolax) are both used to help with bowel movements, but they work differently and are used for different purposes. PEG 3350/electrolytes is an osmotic laxative used to clean the colon before procedures like colonoscopies, while bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative used for occasional constipation. PEG 3350/electrolytes is a prescription medication, whereas bisacodyl is available over-the-counter. PEG 3350/electrolytes requires you to drink a large amount of liquid, which can be time-consuming, and it can cause side effects like nausea and electrolyte imbalances. Bisacodyl is taken as a tablet once a day and usually works within 6 to 12 hours, but it can cause belly discomfort and cramps. You should not take bisacodyl with milk or antacids, as they can interfere with how it works. While PEG 3350/electrolytes is used for bowel prep, bisacodyl is not recommended for long-term use and should not be used for more than a week without consulting a healthcare provider.

PEG 3350/electrolytes bowel prep

 

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bisacodyl tablet

 

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Summary for Golytely

Prescription only

PEG 3350/electrolytes bowel prep is mixed into a solution and taken by mouth to clean the bowels for procedures called colonoscopy and barium enema x-ray examination. This medication works well, but requires you to drink a lot of liquid. There are many brands of PEG 3350/electrolytes bowel preps and they can differ from one another in things such as the amount of solution you need to drink, the type of electrolytes or ingredients they contain, and when you need to start the bowel prep. Most bowel preps can only be used in adults, but some can be used in children as young as 6 months of age.

Indications for Golytely

Pros and Cons for Golytely

Pros

  • Comes in many brands that differ in factors, such as how much solution you need to drink or the type of electrolytes in the solution, which gives you options to choose a bowel prep that fits your needs
  • Some bowel prep solutions have flavor packets to improve taste
  • Nulytely, Gavilyte N, and certain generics can be taken by children as young as 6 months old
  • Many of the bowel preps can also be taken through a nasogastric tube (NG tube) for people who can't swallow

Cons

  • Requires you to drink a lot of liquid, so can be time-consuming
  • Can cause your electrolytes to be out of balance, which might raise your risk of side effects, such as kidney damage or seizures
  • Can cause nausea; some people have a hard time finishing
  • Can cause dehydration (loss of body fluids) if you don't drink enough liquids during the treatment

Common Side Effects for Golytely

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Feeling very full in your stomach
  • Bloating
  • Stomach cramps
  • Anal irritation
  • Shivering (Moviprep)
  • Trouble sleeping (Moviprep)
  • More hungry and thirsty (Moviprep)
  • Tiredness (Moviprep)

Warnings for Golytely

  • Low body fluids and electrolyte problems
  • Heart beat problems
  • Seizures
  • Kidney damage
  • Damage to your colon
  • Choking or difficulty breathing
  • Use with caution in low glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and phenylketonuria (PKU) - Moviprep and Plenvu only

Summary for Dulcolax

Over-the-counter

Bisacodyl tablet is found over-the-counter (OTC) and used as a laxative for occasional constipation. Typically, you take bisacodyl tablet by mouth once a day. It usually starts working within 6 to 12 hours after the dose. The most common side effects of bisacodyl tablet are belly discomfort and cramps.

Indications for Dulcolax

  • Occasional constipation and irregular bowel movements

Pros and Cons for Dulcolax

Pros

  • Available over the counter
  • Generally well-tolerated if taken as directed
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Only taken once a day

Cons

  • Typically takes 6 to 12 hours to relieve constipation
  • Must ask provider first if pregnant, breastfeeding, or for children under 6 years old
  • Shouldn't take with antacids and milk
  • Should only be taken short-term (less than 7 days) unless otherwise directed by your provider

Common Side Effects for Dulcolax

Warnings for Dulcolax

  • More medical attention needed

Prices with our coupons for Golytely vs. Dulcolax

Price Card Drug Icon
Peg 3350 And Electrolytes1 bottle / 4 liter
$12.45$17.76
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Bisacodyl4 tablets / 5mg
$8.50-
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