The Powerful Glycoprep-C Laxative: How Does It Work?

Glycoprep-C is a laxative medication used to clear the bowels before a colonoscopy or other medical procedure. It is taken orally and produces watery stools within about an hour of the first dose, with a clear discharge occurring after four hours. The medication is typically taken the day before the procedure and comes in powder form, which is dissolved in water. It is important to remain close to a toilet after taking Glycoprep-C as it can cause frequent loose bowel movements. It is also crucial to stay hydrated while taking this medication, as it can lead to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.

Glycoprep-C's use as a laxative

Glycoprep-C is a laxative medication used to empty and cleanse the bowel before a gastrointestinal procedure such as a colonoscopy, barium enema X-ray examination, intravenous pyelogram (IVP), or surgery. It is essential for the bowel to be clean before a doctor can examine it properly.

Glycoprep-C is typically taken orally the day before the procedure, unless otherwise directed by a doctor. It is available in sachets of 70g or 210g of white to off-white dry powder, which is dissolved in water to form a solution. The recommended dosage is 210g, which can be prepared and consumed in one go or as three separate 70g doses. It is important to drink the solution slowly and to follow the doctor's instructions.

Glycoprep-C usually induces watery diarrhoea within about an hour of the first administration, and the bowel contents are typically cleared within 4 hours. It is crucial to stay hydrated during this process, as Glycoprep-C can lead to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. Therefore, it is recommended to drink at least one glass of clear, sugar-free fluids each hour during the day of consumption and to continue drinking clear fluids until bedtime.

Some common side effects of Glycoprep-C include nausea, abdominal fullness, and bloating. Less frequent side effects are abdominal cramps, vomiting, and anal irritation. These adverse reactions are usually temporary and subside quickly.

It is important to note that Glycoprep-C may not be suitable for everyone. It should not be taken by individuals with certain medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal blockage, gastric retention, toxic colitis, or a body weight below 20 kg. Additionally, caution should be exercised in elderly patients, as they are more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte depletion.

When to take Glycoprep-C

Glycoprep-C is a laxative used for bowel cleansing before medical procedures such as colonoscopies, abdominal X-rays, and surgeries. It is important to take Glycoprep-C at the right time to ensure the bowel is clear for examination. Here are some detailed instructions on when to take Glycoprep-C:

Two Days Before Your Procedure:

Stop consuming iron supplements, seeds, grains, pips, and fruit with skin.

One Day Before Your Procedure:

On the day before your procedure, make some dietary changes. For breakfast and lunch, stick to light meals with the following foods: white bread, white rice, custard, clear jelly, skinless chicken, plain rice crackers, eggs, milk, cheese, peeled and cooked potato/pumpkin, tofu, white-coloured yoghurt, tuna, and vanilla ice cream. After lunch, avoid solid foods and only consume approved clear liquids, such as water, clear broth, clear apple juice, lemonade, and black tea/coffee.

The Evening Before Your Procedure (If Your Procedure Is In The Morning):

At around 2 pm, take the three bisacodyl tablets with a full glass of water. Around 5 pm, drink the previously prepared magnesium citrate solution. Then, at 7 pm, start drinking the prepared Glycoprep-C solution. Drink approximately one to two glasses every 15-20 minutes until it is all consumed. Remember to drink it slowly, and if you feel nauseated, reduce the intake rate. Continue drinking clear fluids until bedtime.

On The Day Of Your Procedure:

In the morning, if your procedure is in the afternoon, follow similar instructions as the evening before. Add the contents of the second Glycoprep-C sachet to 1 litre of warm water, which can be chilled before drinking. Drink the entire litre over the next hour, adjusting the pace if you feel nauseated.

For an afternoon procedure, ensure you fast and do not consume anything, including chewing gum or mints, from 11 am onwards.

Important Notes:

• Bowel preparation can interfere with oral contraceptive pills, so discuss any concerns with your doctor.
• Glycoprep-C will cause frequent loose bowel movements, so remain close to toilet facilities and do not plan to go out.
• Ensure you drink plenty of clear fluids to maintain hydration and prevent dehydration.
• Do not take Glycoprep-C if you have certain medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal blockage, gastric retention, or toxic colitis. Consult the leaflet or your doctor for the full list of contraindications.

Preparing Glycoprep-C

Glycoprep-C is a laxative medication used to prepare the bowel for examination procedures such as colonoscopies, abdominal X-rays, and surgery. It is essential that you carefully follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist when taking this medication.

The preparation process for Glycoprep-C involves dissolving the powder in water to create a solution. The medication comes in sachets, with each sachet containing either 70g or 210g of the powder. For the 70g sachet, dissolve the contents in 1 litre of water, and for the 210g sachet, use 3 litres of water. It is recommended to use a suitable food-grade container for this process. You can chill the solution if desired, and it is important to prepare and store it according to the directions provided.

The timing and dosage of Glycoprep-C should be as directed by your doctor. It is typically taken the day before the procedure, with specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider. The total amount of Glycoprep-C required for the procedure is 210g, which can be prepared and consumed in different ways. You can prepare and consume the solution from one 210g sachet, or you can use three 70g sachets, preparing and drinking one at a time as needed.

It is important to drink the solution slowly but completely, following the recommended intake rate provided by your doctor. You should drink approximately one or two 250mL glasses of the solution every 15-20 minutes until it is all consumed. If you experience nausea, reduce the rate at which you are drinking the solution.

In addition to taking Glycoprep-C, it is crucial to follow a clear liquid diet before your procedure. This means you should only consume approved clear liquids, such as water, clear broth, clear cordials, clear apple juice, lemonade, soda water, sports drinks, and black tea or coffee. Solid foods and milk products should be avoided. It is important to stay hydrated, so continue drinking clear fluids, but stop consuming anything, including clear liquids, 6 hours before the procedure.

Please note that bowel preparation can interfere with oral contraceptives. If you have any concerns or questions about this or any other aspect of preparing and taking Glycoprep-C, be sure to discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions and side effects

Glycoprep-C is a laxative medication used to empty and cleanse the bowel before a gastrointestinal procedure such as a colonoscopy, barium enema X-ray examination, intravenous pyelogram (IVP), or surgery. It is essential to follow the instructions provided by your doctor, prescriber, or pharmacist when taking this medication.

Precautions:

Before taking Glycoprep-C, inform your doctor, prescriber, or pharmacist if you:

• Have any allergies to medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Are pregnant, intending to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbal products.
• Have or have had any health problems or medical conditions, especially:
• Stomach or bowel problems, including severe ulcerative colitis.
• Kidney disease or impaired kidney function.
• Difficulty swallowing or food coming back up after eating.
• Diabetes.
• Electrolyte disturbances.
• A heart condition.
• Stoma (a surgical opening from the large bowel to the outside).
• Undiagnosed stomach pain.

Side Effects:

Glycoprep-C is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it may cause side effects in some individuals. The most common side effects include:

• Nausea.
• Abdominal fullness and bloating.

Less common side effects include:

• Abdominal cramps.
• Vomiting.
• Anal irritation.
• Skin reactions.
• Rhinorrhea.

These side effects are typically mild and transient, resolving rapidly without the need for medical intervention. However, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects, or if you have any concerns, consult your doctor, prescriber, or pharmacist immediately.

It is important to note that Glycoprep-C can lead to serious dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, especially in elderly patients. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure adequate fluid intake during the administration of this medication.

Storage and disposal

Glycoprep-C should be stored in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Do not store it in the bathroom or near a sink, and keep it away from windowsills or cars on hot days, as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard at least one and a half metres above the ground.

If your doctor or pharmacist tells you to stop taking Glycoprep-C or if it has passed the expiry date, ask them how to dispose of any leftover medicine. Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste. These measures will help protect the environment.

Frequently asked questions