Our doctors use a variety of preparations depending on individual patient medical history, risk factors, personal preference, and other factors. When your procedure is scheduled, the scheduler will review your medical history and select the preparation best suited for you.
Colonoscopy Miralax® (Glycolax) Preparation
PREPARATION BEGINS BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT
YOU WILL NEED TO BUY:
- 2 bisacodyl laxative tablets (Dulcolax® or other brand) – do not purchase stool softener or suppositories
- One 238 gm (8.3 ounce) bottle of MiraLAX® laxative
- 64-ounce Gatorade® - any flavor except those with red color (Diabetics or others may want a solution with less sugar content. Substitute an equal quantity of Crystal Light Drink mix or other non-carbonated clear liquid. G2 is a Gatorade® product with less sugar that we recommend.) You will need a 2 quart container to mix the Gatorade® and MiraLAX®
- Items from the clear liquid diet list below such as Jell-O, broth and clear juices or drinks
- Desitin cream may help if the rectal area becomes irritated by frequent stools during your preparation.
DIET INSTRUCTIONS:
Some foods make it more difficult to clean the colon well. Avoid large amounts of nuts or seeds, including flax seed, or lettuce salads 2-3 days before your procedure. Also avoid fat free Pringles or Frito-Lay Light snacks one week prior to your appointment. These foods contain Olestra, a fat substitute that can leave a thick film in the colon.
The day before your appointment you must be on a clear liquid diet. Clear liquids are any liquid that you can see through. Avoid any red liquids or alcoholic beverages.
CLEAR LIQUIDS INCLUDE:
- Water
- Clear fruit juices such as apple or white grape
- Bouillon or clear broth
- Jell-O without fruit added - no red flavors
- Hard candy
- Coffee and tea without milk or creamer
- Popsicles - no red flavors
- Gatorade®, Powerade®, or Propel®- no red flavors
- Carbonated beverages such as Coke, 7-Up, Mountain Dew, etc.
THE DAY BEFORE THE PROCEDURE:
Beginning the day before your scheduled appointment, consume only clear liquids in place of solid food the entire day.
AT NOON:
Take two (2) Dulcolax® laxative tablets with a glass of water. You may delay this time as late as 2 pm if necessary because of work or other commitments. In most people Dulcolax® begins to work in 6 hours or more.
AT 5PM:
Pour the 64 ounces of Gatorade® into a two quart container. Pour the entire contents of the Miralax® bottle into the Gatorade® and stir to mix well.
Drink an 8 ounce glass of the Gatorade® mixture every 15-20 minutes until half the solution is gone. (This step will take approximately 1 hour and you will consume four 8-ounce glasses of solution.)
Put the remaining solution in the refrigerator.
You may continue to drink clear liquids.
5 to 6 HOURS BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED PROCEDURE TIME:
Drink the remaining laxative solution 8 ounces every 15 minutes until gone. The correct timing of this dose is essential to an effective preparation. The quality of the preparation has a profound impact on how well the physician is able to detect small lesions in the colon. If you must travel an hour or longer to reach our facility, you should begin this step of your preparation at least 6 hours before your procedure but not greater than 7 hours before.
Once you have completed your prep solution have nothing by mouth until after your procedure.
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