If you have a colonoscopy coming up, you may be dreading the prep more than the procedure itself. Drinking the solution and making frequent trips to the bathroom isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a good time.
But your colonoscopy prep drink has an important job. It clears stool from your colon so your gastroenterologist can get a good look at the lining. This makes it easier to spot polyps and other changes.
There are several types of colonoscopy prep drinks. They vary in how much you drink, what’s in them, and how you take them.
Most bowel preps work by keeping or drawing water into your intestines. This softens stool and causes frequent, watery bowel movements that empty your colon.
Once the prep starts working, expect to spend quite a bit of time near the bathroom. Your bowel movements should gradually become more liquid.
Toward the end of a successful prep, you should be passing clear or light yellow liquid with little or no solid material.
You’ll also need to drink the clear liquids listed in your instructions. This replaces some of the fluid your body loses as your colon empties.
Always follow the instructions from your gastroenterologist. How and when you take your prep depends on the product you’re using and the time of your colonoscopy.
Many people use what’s called a split-dose prep. You drink part of the solution the evening before your colonoscopy. Then you finish the rest several hours before your procedure.
Split dosing can clean the colon better than drinking the entire prep the night before.
Don’t change the timing or amount on your own. Your gastroenterologist will tell you when to start and when you need to stop drinking before your procedure.
There isn’t just one type of bowel prep. Your gastroenterologist will choose one based on your health and other factors.
Polyethylene glycol, or PEG, has been used for colonoscopy prep for many years. Traditional PEG products, such as GoLYTELY, are mixed with water to make a large amount of solution, often about four liters.
These preps can clean the colon well, but drinking that much liquid can be challenging. You may experience:
Lower-volume PEG products use a more concentrated formula, so you drink less of the prep solution itself. PLENVU is one example.
The smaller amount may make the prep easier for some people to get through. But you’ll still need to drink additional clear liquids as directed.
You may also experience nausea, bloating or difficulty with the taste.
Sulfate-based preparations, such as SUPREP, use salts to keep water in your bowel and empty your colon.
The amount of prep solution is lower than with a traditional four-liter PEG prep. You’ll also drink additional clear liquids.
These preparations can affect the balance of fluids and minerals in your body. Your gastroenterologist will consider your health and medications when deciding whether this type of prep is right for you.
Another option combines sodium picosulfate with magnesium-based ingredients. CLENPIQ, for example, comes ready to drink and requires less prep solution than some other options.
You’ll still need to drink the amount of clear liquid listed in your instructions.
There’s no single colonoscopy prep drink that’s best for everyone. Your gastroenterologist may consider:
If you’ve struggled with colonoscopy prep before, tell your gastroenterologist. A lower-volume option or a different type of prep may make the process easier this time. You don’t necessarily have to use the same prep you had before.
Colonoscopy prep has come a long way. You may not have to drink liters of prep solution to clean your colon before the procedure.
Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio offers easy-prep colonoscopy options that use less prep solution than traditional high-volume options. Your care team will choose a prep based on your health and give you clear instructions to follow at home.
Don’t let the prep keep you from an important screening. Get an easier prep and expert colonoscopy care from GCSA. Schedule your colonoscopy in the San Antonio area today.
If you have not registered for the new gPortal please select the Register/Learn More button for instructions on registering.
The Patient Portal messages are only monitored during regular business hours. Please allow 24-72 hours to be contacted by a staff member.
To pay your bill online, please choose the correct option below: select the “Clinic Locations” button if you’re paying your Physician or Clinic Statement, or select the “ASC Locations” button if you’re paying your Procedure Statement at one of our Ambulatory Surgical Centers.
Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio (GCSA) is a Professional Association owned by the physicians that practice within it. GCSA’s physicians are directly involved in the management of patient services. GCSA physicians have indirect ownership interest in our Histology/Pathology, Anesthesia, Infusion and Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC).
