TriLyte Description

TriLyte is a prescribed bowel preparation treatment recommended before intestinal exams such as a barium enema x-ray or colonoscopy. Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes is a combination solution when mixed with water that acts as a laxative to cleanse the intestines before a colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and guided through to the lower end of the small intestine. This allows the doctor to see the tissues of your colon and take a small biopsy if there is anything that appears abnormal. People over the age of fifty with an average risk for colon cancer should schedule a colonoscopy as a preventative measure every ten years.

How Laxatives Work in Your Body

Polyethylene Glycol is an osmotic laxative, meaning it draws water into the colon causing watery bowel movements that help to flush the waste from the intestines giving the doctor a clean view. Electrolytes affect the amount of water in your body, acidity of your blood, and muscle function but are flushed out with the watery stool. TriLyte contains Electrolytes (potassium and sodium) in order to replenish your body’s supply.

Other TriLyte Uses

Another diagnostic procedure that requires taking Trilyte is a barium enema x-ray. This is a special x-ray of the large intestine, including the colon and rectum. After you have taken TriLyte to completely cleanse your intestines, a contrast material called barium is inserted through a soft tube inserted into your rectum. This contrast liquid should fill your intestines, highlighting specific areas. X-rays are taken as you are placed in different positions to make sure all areas are available for viewing. After the procedure, you will be allowed to go to the restroom and expel the barium solution. You may find that your stools are white for a day or two after the barium; this is how your body will get rid of the rest of the solution.

Before TriLyte is Prescribed

Before using TriLyte, advise your doctor if you have a history of any of the following: ulcerative colitis; trouble swallowing; heart problems; mineral imbalances; ulcers; kidney problems. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant as this may be harmful to your unborn baby. Discuss other medications you are on as you will have to ‘fast’ while taking TriLyte and may not be able to take certain drugs.

TriLyte Precautions

You should not use TriLyte if you have a perforated bowel, a bowel obstruction, severe constipation, colitis, or toxic megacolon which is a complication of inflammatory bowel disease or infectious colitis. Keep TriLyte out of children’s reach during your treatment at home.

Possible Side Effects of TriLyte

• Nausea
• Bloating
• Feeling of fullness
• Anal irritation or soreness

Drugs Similar to TriLyte

• PegLyte Fruit Flavored Powder
• Colyte Powder
• MoviPrep