Trilyte and Golytely Have the Same Ingredients and Efficacy for Colon Cleansing

Comparing Trilyte and Golytely for Colonoscopy Preparation

Undergoing a colonoscopy requires taking a preparation solution the day before to fully cleanse the colon. Two common prescription solutions used are Trilyte and Golytely. But is Trilyte actually the same formula as Golytely?

What is Trilyte?

Trilyte is the brand name version of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) based colonoscopy prep made by Braintree Laboratories, Inc. It contains the following ingredients:

• PEG-3350 - osmotic laxative
• Sodium bicarbonate - reduces digestive acid
• Sodium chloride - electrolyte
• Potassium chloride - electrolyte

It requires drinking around 4 liters split into separate doses to clean out the bowels before a colonoscopy. The PEG formulation causes water to be retained in the bowel rather than absorbed by the body which triggers evacuation of bowel contents.

What is Golytely?

Golytely is another commonly prescribed colon prep solution made by Braintree Labs containing the same formulation as Trilyte. Its full ingredients list includes:

• PEG-3350 - osmotic laxative
• Sodium bicarbonate - reduces digestive acid
• Sodium chloride - electrolyte
• Potassium chloride - electrolyte

It also requires drinking around 4 liters split into two doses to flush out the system before a colonoscopy exam. Brand name Golytely was the first PEG-based prep brought to market by Braintree.

Are Golytely and Trilyte the Same Product?

Yes, Golytely and Trilyte contain the exact same formulation and active ingredient, PEG-3350, made by the same manufacturer, Braintree Labs. Trilyte is identical to Golytely but is classified as a generic version.

After Golytelys patent expired, Braintree brought Trilyte to market as a cheaper generic alternative to Golytely. So while the names sound different, Trilyte offers the same efficacy for colon cleansing prior to colonoscopies.

Efficacy and Side Effects

Since Trilyte and Golytely share the same ingredients list, they offer equal efficacy and safety for colonoscopy prepping:

• Empty and cleanse the colon of waste products
• Allow for excellent visualization for doctors performing colonoscopies
• Fewer side effects like nausea compared to older preps
• Lower risk of fluid imbalance due to electrolyte inclusion

However, both solutions still commonly produce side effects like:

• Bloating and cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte abnormalities

Patients may cope better with one version over the other. But medically Golytely and Trilyte offer identical efficacy and safety data in clinical studies.

Other Colonoscopy Preparation Methods

While Trilyte and Golytely remain two of the most widely used and effective colonoscopy preps, other options are also available either over-the-counter or by prescription:

Over-the-Counter Colon Cleanse Products

• MiraLAX - OTC PEG-3350 powder
• Magnesium citrate
• Sodium phosphate tablets
• Sodium picosulfate solutions
• Bisacodyl tablets

These help induce bowel movements but may not cleanse as thoroughly on their own. Using laxatives alone is generally not sufficient preparation for optimal colonoscopy results.

Prescription Colonoscopy Preps

• Suprep - sodium sulfate formulation
• Prepopik - sodium picosulfate formula
• Clenpiq - sodium picosulfate plus magnesium oxide and citric acid
• Suclear - sodium sulfate solution
• OsmoPrep - sodium phosphate solution

These contain more potent laxatives and purgatives to flush the colon. They require a prescription and may have more side effects than Golytely/Trilyte solutions.

Comparing Other Common Colonoscopy Preps

Miralax and Dulcolax

Many doctors recommend patients mix Miralax, an OTC PEG-3350 product, with Dulcolax tablets as a colon prep due to lower costs.

However, this combo may not cleanse as effectively for colonoscopies as prescription-only dedicated preps in clinical practice. But it remains a popular option based on accessibility and affordability.

Suprep

Suprep utilizes sodium sulfate, a salty laxative, to flush the colon. Some studies show Suprep provides slightly better bowel cleansing than Golytely/Trilyte solutions for colonoscopies. However, Suprep also tends to produce more nausea and vomiting during ingestion.

Clenpiq

Clenpiq contains sodium picosulfate like Prepopik but also uses magnesium oxide and citric acid to help draw water into the colon for elimination of stool. While highly effective, cramping and nausea are also frequent side effects.

Which Prep is Right For Me?

The best colonoscopy prep ultimately depends on your medical history, cost concerns, and ability to tolerate likely side effects. Be sure to discuss all options thoroughly with your physician when scheduling your procedure.

Trilyte and Golytely offer the gold standard with excellent efficacy and more tolerable side effect profiles. But newer prescription formulations may provide even better cleansing for your doctor to thoroughly inspect your colon.

In the end, find a prep that fits within your budget constraints that has proven medical results so you only have to undergo the intensive process once. The key is taking the preparation fully and correctly for satisfactory bowel cleansing no matter which solution you use.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.