Before a colonoscopy, a person needs to drink a special fluid that clears their bowels to make any irregularities easier to spot during the procedure. Some people may call this a “colonoscopy prep drink.”
A colonoscopy allows a doctor to see inside a person’s bowels and assess any irregularities. At the start of the procedure, a healthcare professional inserts a long, thin tube with a light and camera at the end into the person’s rectum.
Colonoscopy prep is essential. Without it, the doctor will be unable to see the bowels clearly and may need to repeat the procedure. Tips such as splitting the dose and chilling the drink may make it easier to take.
Colonoscopy prep drinks vary depending on a person’s needs. Some come as powders that people mix in water. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, a doctor may recommend one of the following prep drinks:
- GoLYTELY
- NuLYTELY
- Moviprep
- MiraLAX
- Suprep
- PLENVU
- CLENPIQ
- GaviLyte
The instructions for use vary, and a doctor or a member of their team will give specific directions. They may recommend an additional oral laxative. A healthcare professional typically tailors the preparation plan to each person’s situation.
People may be able to combine their prep solution with a clear, flavored sports drink to counteract the solution’s saltiness. However, people should check with a healthcare professional before adding anything to the prep solution.
Colonoscopy prep drinks may contain flavoring, but not everyone likes the taste, and drinking enough of the mixture can be challenging. The following strategies might help:
- Split up the prep: A doctor
may recommendTrusted Source taking the first half of the dose the day before the procedure and the second half three to eight hours before the procedure. - Sip the drink: Doctors may advise people to drink the mixture gradually throughout the day, taking small sips every 10 to 15 minutes.
- Chill it: Some people report that the solution tastes worse when warm, so chilling it may help.
- Use a straw: Drinking it with a straw can help the mixture bypass the taste buds.
- Take a break: Anyone who experiences nausea or vomiting should take a 30-minute break before trying the drink again. If a person vomits, they should drink as much as possible and tell a healthcare professional.
People should check with their healthcare team about whether these strategies are suitable for their situation and the prescribed brand of prep solution.
Drinking the solution is just one part of the preparation plan. People may also need to take the following steps:
1 week before
This also applies to people who take drugs that affect blood clotting, such as warfarin (Coumadin), or over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil).
3 days before
Medical staff typically recommend that 3 days before a colonoscopy, a person should avoid:
- nuts
- seeds
- corn, including popcorn
People should prepare by purchasing plenty of clear liquids and avoiding anything with red, blue, or purple dyes. These colorings can make it seem as if there is blood in the colon.
Examples of liquids that are OK to drink include:
- pulp-free fruit juices, such as strained apple or white grape juice
- coffee or tea without milk or creamer
- clear broth or bouillon
- carbonated soft drinks
- Gatorade, Powerade, and similar light-colored drinks
2 days before
People should drink at least eight glasses of water or other liquids daily to prevent dehydration.
1 day before
The day before a colonoscopy, people must stop eating solid foods. They can have unlimited amounts of clear liquids and those in the list above.
Usually, a person starts drinking the prep solution at this time. Healthcare staff may recommend having half the night before and half on the morning of the colonoscopy.
The morning of the procedure
A person continues to have only clear liquids and no solid foods. By this point, they should be using the toilet regularly and have clear stools.
People should stay near a toilet while drinking the prep solution and afterward. The need to use the bathroom may come on suddenly and frequently.
The aim is to eventually pass only clear or slightly yellow-tinted liquid as bowel movements. This shows that the bowel is clear and that the procedure is likely to produce accurate results.
On the day of the procedure, a doctor will explain the process and introduce the other healthcare professionals in the room.
The person will receive sedation, and a healthcare professional will insert a thin, flexible tool called a colonoscope through the rectum.
The scope sends images to a monitor, which the doctor uses to examine the colon, looking for anything unexpected. Using the same tool, they may remove polyps and take tissue samples.
People
The best type of colonoscopy bowel prep may depend on the individual. A pill to induce bowel preparation for colonoscopy may be suitable for people who cannot tolerate the liquid form or who are reluctant to take the liquid preparation.
People should speak with their healthcare team about the most suitable option.
Several types of colonoscopy prep drinks, such as NuLYTELY and Moviprep, come in different flavors, which aim to make the taste more tolerable.
People can discuss their options with their healthcare team. Other tips, such as using a straw or mixing the prep drink with other clear liquids, may also make it easier to tolerate.
People must drink plenty of water up to two hours before their colonoscopy. Staying hydrated is vital to prevent dehydration during colonoscopy prep.
Drinking enough colonoscopy prep solution can be challenging, but doing so helps ensure the procedure is effective and leads to accurate findings.
Chilling the drink and using a straw may help a person finish their prep drink. Taking regular breaks between sips or spitting the dose in half may also help.
People may find the colonoscopy preparation and the procedure unpleasant. However, it is worth noting that the colonoscopy may need repeating if a person does not take the prep correctly.
