Lowcountry Medical Group Gastroenterology
Colonoscopy Bowel Preps
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Here are the three bowel preps that we typically use.  Miralax Prep is the over the counter prep used most often.  Half Lytely Prep requires a prescription.  For people who do not tolerate the taste, a capsule prep with Osmoprep is most appropriate.  Ask your doctor which prep best suits you.  If you do not tolerate the prep or find that it is ineffective, call the on call doctor who can prescribe medicines to help out.
 
For all the preps it is important to:
  • Maintain a clear liquid diet 24 hours prior to the procedure including breakfast, lunch and dinner, to ease the cleansing process. 
  • AVOID RED OR PURPLE COLORED LIQUIDS which can mimic blood. 
  • Drink the recommend amount of liquids or exceed the amount to prevent dehydration. 
  • You can drink clear liquids up until midnight, then NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK UNTIL AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE. 
  • PLEASE HAVE SOMONE WITH YOU TO DRIVE YOU HOME

Clear fluids include:

  • Strained fruit juices without pulp (apple, white grape, lemondade, gatorade). 
  • Water
  • Clear broth or bouillon
  • Coffee or tea (without milk or nondairy creamer)
  • Soft drinks
  • Jell-o without added fruits or toppings
  • Popsicles

Miralax/Dulcolax Prep
You need to obtain Miralax (238 gm bottle) and Dulcolax available at most pharmacies.  Individual response to the laxative may vary.  It often works in 30 minutes or may take as long as 3 hours.
  • On the day before your procedure in the morning, mix 238 gm Miralax with 1/2 gallon of Gatorade or Lemonade Crystal Light.
  • At 2:00 pm take 2 Dulcolax tablets
  • At 4:00 pm drink an 8 oz glass of the Miralax mixture every 15-20 minutes until the entire container is gone.  (A successful prep is achieved when the fluid from your bowels is yellowish in color and clear of solid stool.)
  • At 6:00 pm take 2 more Dulcolax tablets.
  • Clear liquids are allowed until midnight the night prior to your procedure.

HalfLytely Bowel Prep

  • STEP 1.  TAKE 4 TABLETS 12 NOON DAY BEFORE COLONOSCOPY
    • Take all 4 bisacodyl or dulcolax tablets with water
    • do NOT chew or crush
    • Do not take within 1 hour of taking an antacid
  • STEP 2.  AT 1:00 PM MIX SOULUTION
    • Add lukewarm drinking water to top of line on bottle.
    • Cap bottle and shake to dissolve the powder.
    • Use within 48 hours.
  • STEP 3. WAIT FOR A BOWEL MOVEMENT
    • After a bowel movement occurs (usually in 1-6 hours), begin to drink the solution.
    • Even if no bowel movement occurs after 6 hours, begin to drink the solution.
  • STEP 4.  DRINK ALL THE SOLUTION
    • Drink 1 (8 oz) glass every 10 minutes (about 8 glasses).
    • Drink each glass quickly rather than drinking small amounts continuously.
    • Be sure to drink ALL of the solution.

OsmoPrep Tablet Prep
  • FIRST DOSE
    • At 5:00 pm take 4 OsmoPrep tablets with at least 8 oz of clear fluid.
    • At 5:15 pm take 4 OsmoPrep tablets with at least 8 oz of clear fluid.
    • At 5:30 pm take 4 OsmoPrep tablets with at least 8 oz of clear fluid.
    • At 5:45 pm take 4 OsmoPrep tablets with at least 8 oz of clear fluid.
    • At 6:00 pm take 4 OsmoPrep tablets with at least 12 oz ginger ale.
  • SECOND DOSE
    • At 8:00 pm take 4 OsmoPrep tablets with at least 8 oz of clear fluid.
    • At 8:15 pm take 4 OsmoPrep tablets with at least 8 oz of clear fluid.
    • At 8:30 pm take 4 OsmoPrep tablets with 12 oz ginger ale.

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