Laxatives During Colonoscopy Prep: What To Expect Post-Procedure

Colonoscopy prep involves taking laxatives to clear the bowels so that doctors can see inside the colon during the procedure. The laxatives come in the form of prescription or over-the-counter medication and are usually taken in liquid form, although tablet options are also available. The process typically begins a few days ahead of the procedure, with dietary restrictions recommended to aid the bowel-cleansing process. The laxatives themselves are taken the day before the colonoscopy, often in two separate doses. They work by drawing water into the bowels, triggering muscle contractions that move everything out. This results in forceful diarrhoea, which is a normal part of the process.

You will experience diarrhoea and need to be near a bathroom

What to Expect After Taking Laxatives During Colonoscopy Prep

Colonoscopy prep involves taking a laxative medication to clear your colon of stool so that your doctor can clearly see any abnormal areas in your colon during the procedure. If your colon is not completely emptied, the chances of your doctor missing abnormalities increase, and you may even have to repeat the procedure.

After drinking the preparation medication, you will experience diarrhoea. This is normal and indicates that the medication is working to clear stool from your colon. Plan to be near a bathroom as you will need to empty your bowels frequently. The diarrhoea may lead to soreness around your anus, so applying petroleum jelly or a similar product may help reduce discomfort. Using flushable baby wipes or moistened toilet tissues instead of toilet paper can also reduce irritation.

Most people also experience mild bloating and mild abdominal cramps. To alleviate these symptoms, try drinking the prep medication more slowly and over a longer period. Staying in the bathroom with a book, television, or laptop can make the process more comfortable. Applying diaper cream before the diarrhoea starts and wearing elastic-waisted pants can also help.

Timing of the Laxative Effects

The timing of when the laxative takes effect can vary depending on the type of prep and individual factors. When people use MiraLax, bowel movements typically begin about an hour after drinking the solution. However, if you are taking your prep in two separate doses, it may take longer for the effects to kick in. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor.

Other Tips for Managing the Laxative Effects

To make the process more manageable, try breaking up your prep drink into smaller portions instead of drinking it all at once. Chilling the drink or using a straw can also help improve the taste. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of clear liquids, and avoid solid foods the day before your procedure.

You may feel mild bloating and abdominal cramps

After taking laxatives during colonoscopy prep, it is normal to experience mild bloating and abdominal cramps. This is due to the laxatives triggering your bowels to draw water from your body, softening your stools and increasing the volume in your colon. This process can cause bloating as your colon fills with liquid and gas. The cramps are a result of the muscle contractions that move the stools out of your body.

To alleviate these symptoms, you can try drinking the prep solution more slowly over a longer period. Staying properly hydrated before and after the procedure can also help reduce bloating and cramps. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions for the amount of liquid to consume, as too much or too little can affect the effectiveness of the prep.

In addition to bloating and cramps, you may also experience frequent and forceful diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects are common and typically resolve within a few hours. If you have hemorrhoids, they may become irritated and uncomfortable. Applying diaper cream or using moist wipes can help soothe the area.

It is important to complete the entire bowel prep as instructed by your doctor, even if you start to experience these side effects. Inadequate preparation can lead to an incomplete colonoscopy, increasing the chances of missing abnormalities in the colon.

If you are concerned about the severity of your symptoms or experience any unusual reactions, be sure to contact your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and recommend adjunct agents to help reduce bloating, cramps, and other side effects.

You will need to drink lots of clear liquids

After taking laxatives during your colonoscopy prep, you will need to drink lots of clear liquids. This is because the laxatives can be dehydrating, and staying hydrated is important. Clear liquids include clear fruit juices without pulp (such as apple, white grape, or lemonade), broth, popsicles, gelatin, coffee or tea without milk, and clear meal-replacement drinks. You should avoid alcohol, as it can make you dehydrated. In total, you should aim to drink at least 8-10 tall glasses of clear liquids throughout the day, in addition to what you drink with your bowel prep solution.

It is important to note that you should stop drinking clear liquids four hours before your procedure. This means that you should not have anything to eat or drink for the four hours leading up to your colonoscopy.

You should avoid solid foods the day before

Preparing for a colonoscopy is essential for its success. If your colon is not clear, your doctor won't be able to see inside properly, and you may have to repeat the procedure. To prepare, you'll need to cleanse your bowels with a laxative formula and make changes to your diet in the days leading up to the procedure.

The day before your colonoscopy, it is crucial that you avoid solid foods and only consume clear liquids. This is because the laxatives you will take that evening need to completely empty your colon, and solid foods can interfere with this process. A clear liquid diet ensures that your digestive tract is clear and your colon is ready for examination.

A clear liquid diet includes:

• Sports drinks
• Clear juices like apple and white grape
• Clear broth
• Coffee and tea without milk or cream
• Gelatin and ice pops without red, blue, or purple dyes

You should avoid:

• Solid foods of any kind
• Alcohol
• Milk
• Orange juice
• Any liquids that are not clear

In addition to the clear liquid diet, you may also need to take a laxative the evening before your colonoscopy. This will induce forceful diarrhoea, which is normal and means the medication is working to clear stool from your colon. You may experience cramps and bloating during this time.

By avoiding solid foods the day before your colonoscopy and following the recommended clear liquid diet, you can help ensure that your colon is adequately prepared for the procedure. This will increase the likelihood of a successful colonoscopy and reduce the risk of having to repeat the process.

You will need to take the laxatives in two separate doses

To prepare for a colonoscopy, you will need to take laxatives to clear your bowels so that your doctor can see inside your colon. The laxatives will be taken in two separate doses, the first dose being taken the night before your procedure, and the second dose taken 6-8 hours before your procedure. The timing of the first dose is typically between 3-6 pm.

The laxatives will cause you to have significant diarrhoea, so it is important to plan to be near a bathroom. This is a normal effect of the medication, and it means that the medication is working to clear stool from your colon. You may also experience mild bloating and mild abdominal cramps, which is also normal. To alleviate these symptoms, you can try drinking the prep medication more slowly and over a longer period.

It is important to complete the full dosage of bowel prep, even if your stools have turned liquid and are lighter in colour. This is because, even if the laxative starts working right away, it is still important to ensure that your colon is completely empty for the procedure. A well-prepared colon will produce yellow liquid stools.

To make the process of taking the laxatives more manageable, you can try splitting the prep into four 8-ounce glasses and drinking them over the course of an hour, rather than drinking a larger amount all at once. You can also try mixing the laxative with something flavoured, like a sports drink or powdered drink mix, or drinking it through a straw. Keeping the laxative well-chilled may also improve the taste.

Frequently asked questions