Question 1

What is Halflytely and bisacodyl bowel prep kit?

Accepted Answer

Halflytely and bisacodyl bowel prep kit contains __polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolytes__, an osmotic laxative solution, and __bisacodyl__, a stimulant laxative. These two medications work together to clear your bowels by softening the stool and causing more muscle movement in your intestines to pass the stool. Once your bowels are cleared, this allows your provider to perform a procedure called colonoscopy to see the inside of your colon.

Question 2

Is Halflytely and bisacodyl bowel prep kit still available?

Accepted Answer

No, Halflytely and bisacodyl bowel prep kit is no longer available in the United States. The individual ingredients, [PEG 3350 with electrolytes](https://www.goodrx.com/peg-3350-and-electrolytes/what-is) and [bisacodyl tablets](https://www.goodrx.com/bisacodyl/what-is), are still available on the market.

Question 3

Why was Halflytely and bisacodyl bowel prep kit discontinued?

Accepted Answer

Earlier versions of Halflytely and bisacodyl bowel prep kits contained PEG 3350 with electrolytes and either [bisacodyl 20 mg](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2010/03/19/2010-5979/determination-that-halflytely-and-bisacodyl-tablets-bowel-prep-kit-containing-4-bisacodyl-delayed) or [bisacodyl 10 mg](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2011/08/17/2011-20853/determination-that-halflytely-and-bisacodyl-tablets-bowel-prep-kit-containing-two-bisacodyl-delayed). These products were discontinued because of problems with safety and how well they worked. Studies found that Halflytely and bisacodyl bowel prep kits that contained bisacodyl 10 mg or higher were linked to a condition called [ischemic colitis](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2014/07/02/2014-15371/additions-and-modifications-to-the-list-of-drug-products-that-have-been-withdrawn-or-removed-from#:~:text=PEG%203350%2C%20sodium%20chloride%2C%20sodium%20bicarbonate%2C%20and%20potassium%20chloride%20for%20oral%20solution%2C%20and%20four%20bisacodyl%20delayed-release%20tablets%2C%205%20mg%20(20-mg%20bisacodyl)%2C%20formerly%20marketed%20as%20HALFLYTELY%20AND%20BISACODYL%20TABLETS%20BOWEL%20PREP%20KIT%20(20-mg%20bisacodyl)%2C%20was%20associated%20with%20ischemic%20colitis.), which is an injury of the large intestine caused by low blood flow. Studies showed that using bisacodyl 5 mg not only lowered the risk for ischemic colitis, but also that of other side effects, such as stomach cramps. In addition, when combined with PEG 3350 with electrolytes, bisacodyl 5 mg worked just as well as the bisacodyl 10 mg or 20 mg to clear the bowels. That's why the earlier Halflytely and bisacodyl bowel prep kits were later replaced by bowel prep kits that contained  PEG 3350 with electrolytes and bisacodyl 5mg. Eventually, [this product was also discontinued](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=BasicSearch.process), but not because of any problems with safety or how well it works.

Halflytely and bisacodyl

What is Halflytely and bisacodyl bowel prep kit?

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