Colonoscopy Prep: Choosing The Right Laxative For You

To prepare for a colonoscopy, it is important to empty the bowels so that the doctor can clearly see inside the colon. This is done by using laxatives, which come in the form of pills or liquid preparations. Laxatives help to clean out the bowels, and they may be available over the counter or with a prescription. In addition to laxatives, patients are advised to restrict their diet to clear liquids one day before the procedure to ensure the colon is completely emptied.

Laxatives help to clear the bowels so doctors can see the colon clearly

A colonoscopy is a procedure that can help find the cause of bowel symptoms. It involves inserting a soft, flexible tube with a camera at the end through the anus and up into the bowel. To ensure an accurate diagnosis, it is important that the colon is clear.

Laxatives are used to clear the bowels before a colonoscopy so that doctors can see the colon clearly. They are often taken in the form of oral medication, such as pills or liquid preparations, and can also be administered via sachets. These laxatives are typically taken on the day before and the morning of the procedure. The exact timing and dosage will depend on the specific laxative and the instructions provided by a healthcare professional.

Laxatives work by triggering the bowels to draw in more water, softening the stools and increasing the volume in the colon. This stimulates muscle contractions, known as peristalsis, which move the stools out of the body. It is common to experience diarrhoea and mild bloating or abdominal cramps after taking laxatives.

In addition to laxatives, dietary changes are also recommended in the days leading up to a colonoscopy. A low-fibre or low-residue diet is often suggested, which includes foods such as white bread, rice, pasta, well-cooked vegetables without skin, and fruit without seeds or skin. It is important to avoid high-fibre foods, dairy products, alcohol, and red or purple liquids.

By combining the use of laxatives with dietary modifications, the bowels can be effectively cleared, providing doctors with a clear view of the colon during the colonoscopy procedure.

Laxatives are available as pills or liquid preparations

To prepare for a colonoscopy, it is important to empty the bowels so that the doctor can clearly and thoroughly examine the colon. Laxatives are available as pills or liquid preparations.

Laxative Pills

People can take laxative pills orally with specific amounts of fluid. The dosage is usually split over the evening before and the morning of the colonoscopy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two prescription bowel preparation pills: SUTAB and OsmoPrep. Both are split-dose medications, with 12 tablets taken the evening before and the remaining 12 taken on the morning of the procedure.

Liquid Laxatives

Liquid laxatives are also available and are typically taken the day before the colonoscopy. They often come in powder form, which is mixed with a clear liquid. Depending on the brand of laxative, people may need to drink 10–128 oz of fluid for the laxative to work properly. An example of a liquid laxative is polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is mixed with water and may include electrolytes or be taken with a sports drink.

It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider when taking laxatives before a colonoscopy.

Laxatives are taken orally, with specific amounts of fluid

Laxatives Taken Orally

Laxatives are taken orally before a colonoscopy, with specific amounts of fluid. This is an essential step in preparing for a colonoscopy, as it ensures the colon is empty so that the doctor can clearly examine it. The laxatives come in different forms, including liquid and tablet, and are typically taken the evening before and the morning of the procedure.

Types of Laxatives

There are several types of laxatives that can be used for bowel preparation before a colonoscopy. These include:

• Osmotic laxatives: These are substances that the bowels cannot naturally absorb. They trigger the bowels to draw in more water, softening the stools and increasing the volume in the colon, which initiates muscle contractions to move everything out.
• Polyethylene glycol (PEG) kits: PEG is a large molecule that cannot be absorbed by the colon, creating a hyperosmotic effect. PEG formulas are usually in powder form and are mixed with large volumes of water.
• Oral sodium phosphate (OSP) kits: These are tablet forms of laxatives that typically require drinking around 3 litres of water.
• Saline-based laxatives: These use sodium phosphate (NaP) as the active ingredient, along with minerals like potassium and magnesium. They are often in tablet form and can be an alternative to liquid bowel prep.

Instructions for Taking Laxatives

It is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or the specific product for taking laxatives. Here are some general guidelines:

• Timing: Laxatives are typically taken the evening before and the morning of the colonoscopy.
• Dosage: The dosage may vary depending on the type of laxative and the instructions provided. For example, SUTAB and OsmoPrep are split-dose medications, with half the dose taken the evening before and the other half on the morning of the procedure.
• Fluid intake: It is important to drink specific amounts of fluid with the laxatives. For example, with SUTAB, you fill a container with 16 ounces of water and take each tablet with a sip of water, finishing the rest over 15-20 minutes. Additional water is then consumed one hour after taking the last tablet.
• Dietary restrictions: It is recommended to make dietary changes a few days before the procedure. This includes eating low-residue or low-fibre foods and avoiding solid foods the day before the colonoscopy.

Side Effects and Precautions

Laxatives can cause side effects such as diarrhoea, bloating, and mild abdominal cramps. It is important to stay near a bathroom after taking the laxative as frequent bowel movements are expected. It is also crucial to maintain hydration by drinking clear fluids.

In summary, taking laxatives orally with specific amounts of fluid is a crucial step in preparing for a colonoscopy. It ensures the colon is empty, allowing for a clear and thorough examination. Different types of laxatives are available, and it is important to follow the instructions provided for taking them. Side effects may occur, but they are typically mild and can be managed by following the recommended dietary and fluid intake guidelines.

Osmotic laxatives are the active ingredient in bowel prep kits

Bowel prep kits are essential for ensuring a successful colonoscopy. They are used to cleanse the bowels, allowing doctors to examine the colon properly. The kits contain osmotic laxatives, which are the active ingredient that triggers bowel movement. Osmotic laxatives are substances that cannot be absorbed by the bowels. They work by drawing water from the body into the colon, softening the stools, and increasing the overall volume. This triggers muscle contractions, known as peristalsis, which move the stools out of the body.

The osmotic laxatives in bowel prep kits come in different forms, including tablets and liquids. Tablet forms, such as OsmoPrep and Suprep, are easier to take for some people. However, they may not be suitable for everyone due to the risk of side effects like electrolyte imbalances. Liquid forms, on the other hand, usually come in powder form and are mixed with large volumes of water. Examples include NuLYTELY and TriLyte, which are sulfate-free and have a less salty taste.

It is important to note that bowel prep kits also contain electrolytes to prevent dehydration and abnormalities in electrolyte levels. This is because the process of purging the bowels can be dehydrating, and the rapid movement of fluids and electrolytes through the body can lead to significant deficiencies. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the instructions provided with the bowel prep kit and ensure adequate fluid intake.

The type of bowel prep kit used may vary depending on individual preferences, medical conditions, and cost. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable option for your specific needs.

Bowel prep kits may include polymer-based formulas (PEG) or saline-based formulas (NaP)

Bowel prep kits are an essential part of preparing for a colonoscopy. The kits contain laxatives that help to empty the bowels, allowing doctors to clearly examine the colon during the procedure. There are several types of bowel prep kits available, and your healthcare provider can help you identify the right one for you.

Saline-based formulas, on the other hand, use sodium phosphate (NaP) as the primary osmotic agent, along with other mineral salts such as potassium and magnesium. These formulas are often in tablet form, making them easier for some people to swallow. However, the salts in saline-based formulas can irritate the intestinal mucosa if you have an inflammatory gastrointestinal disease. They are also not recommended for those at risk of complications from fluid-electrolyte imbalances.

Both types of formulas have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your personal sensitivities and medical history. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure that your colonoscopy is successful.

Frequently asked questions