Cologel

Cologel is a Cologel-forming laxative. Cologel absorbs liquid in the intestines and makes a bulky, softer stool which is easier to pass.

Cologel helps relieve constipation and to maintain regularity.

Cologel is a Cologel-forming laxative that increases the amount of water in your stools to help make them softer and easier to pass.

Cologel is used to treat constipation and to help maintain regular bowel movements.

Cologel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation

2 tablets (1000 mg) orally with 8 oz of liquid up to 6 times a day, or 1 heaping tablespoonful (19 g) of powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day, or 1 heaping tablespoonful (10.2 g) of sugar-free powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation

6 to 12 years:

1 tablet (500 mg) orally with 8 oz of liquid up to 6 times a day, or one-half tablespoonful (9.5 g) of powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally once a day, or one-half tablespoonful (5.1 g) of sugar-free powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally once a day. The mixture should be administered promptly, and drinking another glass of water is highly recommended.

>12 years:

oral tablet:

2 tablets (1000 mg) orally with 8 oz of liquid up to 6 times a day, or 1 heaping tablespoonful (19 g) of powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day, or 1 heaping tablespoonful (10.2 g) of sugar-free powder dissolved in 8 oz of cold water orally up to 3 times a day.

Renal Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Liver Dose Adjustments

No adjustment recommended

Precautions

Administer with at least an 8 ounce glass of water or other fluid. Taking this product without enough liquid may cause it to swell and block the esophagus possibly resulting in choking.

Cologel should not be used in patients with difficulty swallowing.

Seek immediate medical attention if chest pain, vomiting, and/or difficulty swallowing or breathing occur after administration.

Do not take sugar-free product if on a phenylalanine-free diet.

Do not use for longer than 1 week unless directed by a physician.

Cologel should generally not be used for a period of greater than one week, unless otherwise directed by a physician.

Cologel should generally not be used if abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting are present, unless otherwise directed by a physician.

Dialysis

No adjustment recommended

Other Comments

Continued use for 12 to 72 hours may be necessary for full benefit. Cologel generally produces bowel movement in 12 to 72 hours.

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Cologel?

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.

Not for use with soft contact lenses.

Use Cologel eye drops as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• To use Cologel eye drops, first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
• To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including your eye. Keep the container tightly closed.
• Remove contact lenses before using Cologel eye drops.
• Do not use Cologel eye drops if it becomes cloudy or changes color.
• If you miss a dose of Cologel eye drops, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cologel eye drops.

This medication is used to relieve dry, irritated eyes. Common causes for dry eyes include wind, sun, heating/air conditioning, computer use/reading, and certain medications.

This product may contain 1 or more of the following ingredients: carboxymethylcellulose, dextran, glycerin, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400), polysorbate, polyvinyl alcohol, povidone, or propylene glycol, among others.

Eye lubricants keep the eye moist, help to protect the eye from injury and infection, and decrease symptoms of dry eyes such as burning, itching, and feeling as if something is in the eye.

How to use Cologel ophthalmic

Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use a solution that has changed color or is cloudy. Certain brands (containing glycerin with polysorbates, among other ingredients) may have a milky appearance. This is okay as long as the solution does not change color. Some eye drops need to be shaken before use. Check the label to see if you should shake your product before using.

Usually, drops may be used as often as needed. Ointments are usually used 1 to 2 times daily as needed. If using an ointment once a day, it may be best to use it at bedtime.

To apply eye ointment/drops/gels: Wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or top of the ointment tube or let it touch your eye. Always replace the cap tightly after each use. Tilt your head back, look up, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. For drops/gels, place the dropper directly over the eye and squeeze out 1 or 2 drops as needed. Look down and gently close your eye for 1 or 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. For an ointment, hold the tube directly over the eye and gently squeeze a small strip (one-fourth of an inch or roughly 6 millimeters) of ointment into the pouch. Release the eyelid, close the eye, and slowly roll your eye in all directions to spread the medication. Blot away any extra ointment from around the eye with a clean tissue.

If you are also using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using most kinds of eye lubricants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist when you may replace your contact lenses. There are a few types of eye lubricants (some that contain polysorbates) that can be used while wearing contact lenses. Check the package to see if you can wear your contact lenses while using your product.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 3 days.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Cologel?

Cologel can interact with other medications. Before taking Cologel, talk to your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. You may not be able to take Cologel, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any other medicines.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Cologel?

Applies to Cologel: powder, powder packets, tablets

Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Abdominal fullness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur while taking Cologel (the active ingredient contained in Cologel)

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; difficulty swallowing; nausea; rectal bleeding; stomach pain; vomiting.