GoLYTELY, also known as polyethylene glycol, is an electrolyte solution used to clean the bowel before a colonoscopy, a barium x-ray and other intestinal procedures. According to the National Institutes of Health, GoLYTELY works by drawing large amounts of water into the colon resulting in watery stool. GoLYTELY, like any other drug, has side effects.
Gastrointestinal Effects
According to Drugs.com, GoLYTELY tastes salty and may cause nausea and vomiting. Patients may drink a flavored form of GoLYTELY in order to avoid the bad taste. GoLYTELY may also cause bloating, stomach cramps, passing of gas and irritation of the rectum. In rare cases, GoLYTELY may cause serious side effects such as severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Some patients may also fail to have a bowel movement within two hours of taking GoLYTELY. Patients should report these serious side effects to a doctor. Patients with previous histories of abdominal diseases such as Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, intestinal obstruction and inflammatory bowel disease should consult the doctor before taking GoLYTELY.
Cardiovascular Effects
According to Drugs.com, GoLYTELY may cause an irregular heartbeat known as arrhythmia. Patients with arrhythmias may experience shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, pounding in the chest and palpitations. Abnormal heart rhythms may occur more frequently in patients with prior histories of heart disease. Such patients should consult the doctor before taking GoLYTELY.
Hypersensitivity
Drugs.com states that some patients may experience severe allergic reactions after taking GoLYTELY. Symptoms of allergic reactions include hives, swelling of the face and tongue, chest tightness, itching and rash. Patients allergic to polyethylene glycol solutions should avoid GoLYTELY.
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