Colonoscopy Prep: Laxatives And You

Preparing for a colonoscopy involves cleansing your bowels with a laxative formula, which can be taken as a pill or liquid. This is necessary to ensure the success of the procedure, as it allows the doctor to see clearly inside your colon. The process can begin a few days before the colonoscopy, with dietary changes and the use of laxatives. On the day before the procedure, you must only consume clear liquids, and the laxative is typically taken in the evening or split between the evening and the morning of the procedure. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure the colonoscopy can be performed as scheduled.

Colonoscopy prep kits are available over the counter or by prescription

There are different types of kits, and your healthcare provider can help you identify the right one for you.

The most commonly prescribed bowel prep formulas use a polymer-based laxative known as polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG). This comes in powder form and is designed to be mixed with large volumes of water. PEG formulas are highly effective for colonoscopy prep and are the gentler choice for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They are also considered safer for people at risk of complications from fluid and electrolyte depletion, such as those with kidney, liver or heart disease. However, PEG formulas often require drinking high volumes (up to 4 litres), and the taste can be off-putting.

Oral sodium phosphate (OSP) kits are another option. These come in tablet form and you will drink less water with them (around 3 litres). While OSP medicines can work well, they can cause stomach-related side effects.

Saline-based laxatives use sodium phosphate (NaP) as the active ingredient, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium. These often come in tablet form and can substitute liquid bowel prep. This type of bowel prep can be easier to swallow for people who struggle with PEG preps. However, a saline-based laxative may irritate your intestines if you have an inflammatory GI disease, and it may be unsafe for people with a higher chance of fluid-electrolyte imbalances due to certain health conditions or medications.

If you are worried about side effects such as bloating, cramping, gas, or other side effects, talk to your doctor about a hybrid bowel prep. These use an osmotic laxative along with another type of laxative that may cause fewer side effects.

There are also over-the-counter (OTC) options that your healthcare provider may recommend. These include bisacodyl, an OTC medication that treats constipation, and Miralax, an OTC product that relieves constipation. Although these are not FDA-approved as colonoscopy prep kits, they are often recommended by healthcare providers.

You should take the laxative with lots of water

Yes, you should take laxatives before a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy prep involves cleaning out your bowels so your doctor can see inside your colon. This process could begin a few days ahead of time. It is inconvenient and somewhat unpleasant, but it is temporary and could save your life.

Laxatives are an essential part of the colonoscopy preparation process. They help to clean out your bowels so that your doctor can see the inside of your colon clearly. You will need to take laxatives orally, either as pills or liquid preparations, with specific amounts of fluid. This is usually split over the evening before and the morning of the colonoscopy.

It is important to take laxatives with lots of water. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) kits, for example, come as a powder that you mix with lots of water. This type of laxative is gentle on your intestines, which is good for people with IBS symptoms. However, they do require you to drink a lot of liquid—up to 4 litres. Oral sodium phosphate (OSP) kits, on the other hand, only require you to drink around 3 litres of water.

If you have kidney disease, a PEG prep is the best option to avoid health problems related to losing fluid and electrolytes.

You should also be aware that laxatives can have side effects. Once the laxative starts working, you will experience frequent, forceful diarrhoea. You may also experience cramps, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. If you have haemorrhoids, they may become irritated.

You may experience cramps and bloating

It is normal to experience cramps and bloating when taking laxatives before a colonoscopy. This is because laxatives trigger your bowels to draw in more water from your body, which softens your stools and increases the overall volume in your colon. This triggers muscle contractions that move everything out, and the extra water in your colon can cause bloating.

To help reduce discomfort in your bowels, you can follow a recommended diet in the days leading up to your laxative prep. This includes eating lighter-coloured, low-fibre foods that are easy to digest and leave your system quickly. You should also avoid nuts, seeds, corn, peas, apple skins, and other fibre-filled foods that are hard to digest.

If you are concerned about bloating, cramping, and gas, you can ask your healthcare provider about taking adjunct agents such as metoclopramide, ondansetron, and simethicone, which may help reduce these symptoms. You can also try taking your bowel prep with lemon and/or ginger, as citrus can help mask the salty taste of the laxative, and both lemon and ginger can help reduce nausea.

It is important to remember that while the laxative prep for a colonoscopy may be uncomfortable, it is a necessary step to ensure that your colonoscopy is effective. A successful colonoscopy can help detect or prevent colon cancer, so it is worth enduring some discomfort to protect your health.

You should expect frequent, forceful diarrhoea

To make yourself as comfortable as possible, try applying diaper cream before the diarrhoea starts. You can also use moist or medicated wipes to clean yourself. Bring something to entertain yourself in the bathroom, like a book, television, or laptop.

If you are worried about having an accident on your way to the appointment, consider wearing adult diapers and packing extra clothes.

It is important to finish your preparation even if your stool becomes clear. This will ensure that your colon is completely empty and the doctor can clearly see any abnormal areas.

You should drink the laxative cold

Drinking the colonoscopy prep laxative cold is one of the "expert tips" recommended by colorectal cancer survivors and caregivers. Drinking the laxative cold is the most pleasant way to get through the process.

Laxatives are an essential part of preparing for a colonoscopy. They help to clean out your bowels so that your doctor can see inside your colon. This is crucial for detecting or preventing colon cancer.

Drinking a large volume of liquid is often required when preparing for a colonoscopy, and this can cause nausea and vomiting. Drinking the laxative cold can help to reduce these unpleasant side effects.

Tips for Drinking Laxatives Cold

• Use a straw—for some reason, drinking with a straw helps!
• Mix it with something flavoured, like a sports drink or powdered drink mix.
• Drink it through a straw placed far back on your tongue.
• Follow it with a sip of something good-tasting.
• Suck on a lemon slice or a piece of hard candy after drinking.
• Break up your prep drink—don't drink it all at once.
• Double-check the time you need to start your prep.
• Ease back into eating solid food after your procedure.
• Celebrate and tell a loved one!

Frequently asked questions