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Compare 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
    Bisacodyl tablet
  • Peg 3350/electrolytes bowel prep
    Bisacodyl tablet

  • Summary of Golytely vs. Dulcolax

    Summary for Osmotic laxative
    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.

    Summary for Stimulant laxative

    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 of Golytely vs. Dulcolax

    Indications for
    •Cleansing the colon to prepare for colonoscopy
    •Cleansing the colon to prepare for barium enema x-ray examination (Golytely, Colyte, Gavilyte-C, and certain generic preps only)
    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation and irregular bowel movements

  • Pros and Cons of Golytely vs. Dulcolax

    Pros and Const for Osmotic laxative
    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
    Pros and Const for Stimulant laxative
    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 of Golytely vs. Dulcolax

    Common Side Effects for
    •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)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Belly discomfort
    •Feeling faint
    •Cramps

  • Warnings of Golytely vs. Dulcolax

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •More medical attention needed

  • Prices with our coupons for Golytely vs. Dulcolax

    Learn more about Peg 3350/electrolytes bowel prep
    Learn more about Bisacodyl tablet

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