Pilk Laxatives: Colonoscopy Prep?

Preparing for a colonoscopy is essential for the procedure's success. To prepare, you must cleanse your bowels using a laxative formula. This can be done with a liquid preparation or laxative pills. Laxative pills, also known as colonoscopy prep pills, are a type of laxative medication that stimulates the muscles in the intestinal walls to move stool through the bowels. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two prescription bowel preparation pills: SUTAB and OsmoPrep. These are split-dose medications, meaning you take half the dose the evening before the colonoscopy and the other half on the morning of the procedure.

What are colonoscopy prep pills?

Colonoscopy prep pills are a type of laxative medication used to clean out your bowels before a colonoscopy. They work by stimulating the muscles in the walls of the intestines to move stool through the bowels. This helps the doctor to have a clear view of the inside of your large intestine during the procedure.

There are several different types of colonoscopy prep pills available, including:

• SUTAB: This contains sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride. It is taken as a split dose, with 12 tablets taken in the evening before the colonoscopy and the remaining 12 tablets taken on the morning of the procedure.
• OsmoPrep: This contains sodium phosphate and is also taken as a split dose. The first dose is usually 20 tablets taken in the evening before the colonoscopy, and the second dose is 12 tablets taken a few hours before the procedure.
• Dulcolax: This is a laxative that can be purchased without a prescription. The typical dose is four tablets taken in the morning, followed by a clear liquid diet for the rest of the day.
• Miralax: This is often combined with a small dose of PEG (polyethylene glycol) and taken as a split dose. The first dose is typically taken in the afternoon or early evening, and the second dose is taken a few hours before the colonoscopy.

It is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor when taking colonoscopy prep pills and to stay close to a bathroom, as they can cause diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

In addition to taking prep pills, you will also need to follow a clear liquid diet and avoid solid foods for a certain period before the colonoscopy. This helps to ensure that your bowels are completely empty and ready for the procedure.

What is a bowel prep kit?

A bowel prep kit is an oral laxative formula that you take before a colonoscopy to clean out your bowels. Colonoscopy prep kits are essential for successful colonoscopies, as they ensure that your colon is clear so that your healthcare provider can see inside it properly.

There are several different types of bowel prep kits available, and they generally include osmotic laxatives and electrolytes. Osmotic laxatives are the active ingredient in bowel prep kits that make you poop. They are substances that your bowels cannot naturally absorb, so they trigger your bowels to draw in more water from your body to force the substances through. This softens your stools and increases the overall volume in your colon, triggering the muscle contractions that move everything out.

The process of purging your bowels can be very dehydrating, so it is important to take osmotic laxatives with extra fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes are built into your bowel prep recipe to prevent abnormalities in electrolyte levels.

Bowel prep kits come in tablet or liquid form. Tablets are taken with plenty of water, while liquids are powders that are mixed with water and taken over several hours.

Your healthcare provider can help you identify the right preparation for you, depending on your personal sensitivities and health history.

How to take bowel preparation pills

Preparing for a colonoscopy involves cleansing your bowels with a laxative formula. This is important because it allows the doctor to clearly see any abnormal areas in your colon during the procedure. If your colon is not completely emptied, the doctor may miss abnormalities and you may have to repeat the procedure.

There are several different types of bowel prep kits available, and your healthcare provider can help you identify the right one for you. Bowel prep kits are oral laxative formulas that you take before your colonoscopy. You will drink the formula the night before your procedure to clean out your bowels.

The day before your procedure:

• Take your bowel prep pills with specific amounts of fluid, splitting the dosage over the evening before and the morning of the procedure.
• Take 24 tablets in total, with 12 tablets as one dose.
• Open one bottle containing 12 tablets.
• Fill the container provided with 16 ounces (oz) of water.
• Take each tablet with a sip of water and consume the rest of the water over 15–20 minutes.
• One hour after taking the last tablet, drink another 16 oz of water over 30 minutes.
• Approximately 30 minutes after, drink another 16 oz of water over 30 minutes.

The morning of the colonoscopy:

• Take all the tablets and the required amount of water at least 2 hours before the procedure.
• Open the other bottle containing 12 tablets.
• Fill the provided container with 16 oz water.
• Swallow each tablet with a sip of water and finish the rest of the water over 30 minutes.
• About 1 hour after taking the last tablet, fill the container again with 16 oz water and drink it over 30 minutes.
• About 30 minutes later, drink another 16 oz over 30 minutes.

It is important to note that you should avoid taking any other laxatives or oral medications within 1 hour of starting your laxatives. Additionally, you should follow any other guidelines for colonoscopy prep, such as eating a low-fiber diet and avoiding solid foods the day before.

What to expect after taking bowel preparation pills

Bowel preparation pills are laxatives that empty the bowels before a colonoscopy. They are available by prescription from a doctor and are usually taken orally with specific amounts of fluid. The two types of prescription bowel preparation pills approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are SUTAB and OsmoPrep. Both medications are split-dose, meaning that one part of the total dosage is taken the evening before the colonoscopy, and the rest is taken on the morning of the procedure.

After taking bowel preparation pills, people can expect to experience multiple loose bowel movements, which the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) states will not usually cause excessive discomfort. However, the most common side effects of SUTAB and OsmoPrep include mild bloating and mild abdominal cramps. Drinking the prep medication more slowly and over a longer period can help alleviate these symptoms.

People will know that the bowel prep is effective when their bowel movements are watery and yellow or clear. It is important to complete the full dosage of bowel prep, even if people experience lighter, more watery stools.

In addition to the bowel preparation pills, people may also need to follow other guidelines for colonoscopy prep, such as eating a low-fiber diet and avoiding solid foods, dairy products, alcohol, and red or purple liquids the day before the procedure.

How else can a person prepare for a colonoscopy?

Preparing for a colonoscopy involves more than just taking a laxative. Here are some detailed instructions on how else to get ready for the procedure:

Plan Your Prep

First, consult with your doctor to determine the best preparation method for you. Clear your schedule for the day of the colonoscopy and the evening before, and arrange for someone to accompany you on the day of the procedure. It is also recommended to shop for supplies in advance, such as a prescribed or over-the-counter laxative, sports drinks, juices, and broths.

Tweak Your Diet

It is essential to adjust your diet in the days leading up to the procedure. Start by eating light and opting for low-fiber foods that are easy to digest and leave your system quickly. This includes white bread, pasta, well-cooked vegetables without skin, fruits without skin or seeds, and lean meats like chicken or fish. Avoid seeds, nuts, corn, popcorn, and fruits with skin or seeds.

The day before the colonoscopy, consume only clear liquids. Drink lots of clear juices, sports drinks, and broths to stay hydrated. You can also have gelatin, soda, coffee, or tea without cream. Avoid dairy products, alcohol, and red or purple liquids, as they may discolour the lining of the colon and hinder the doctor's view.

Medication Management

Discuss with your doctor whether and when you should stop taking any prescription medications, vitamins, or supplements. This is especially important for regular users of anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning medications.

Practical Arrangements

On the day of the colonoscopy, ensure you have a driver to take you to and from the procedure. It is also recommended to bring something to entertain yourself, such as a book, television, or laptop, as you may be spending a significant amount of time in the bathroom due to the effects of the laxative.

Additionally, be prepared for potential side effects like cramps, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Diaper cream, moist or medicated wipes, and adult diapers can help make you more comfortable during this process.

Understanding the Process

Remember, adequate preparation is crucial for a successful colonoscopy. If your colon is not clear, the healthcare provider may not be able to see properly and may need to reschedule the procedure. However, if you prepare well, your colonoscopy will be faster, and you may not need another one for up to 10 years if the results are good.

Frequently asked questions