Lavage Preparation

Lavage (Go-Lyte, Nu-Lyte, Trilyte, Gavi-Lyte) Preparation for a Colonoscopy

In order to achieve an accurate evaluation of your lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, it is important that you properly prepare for the procedure. Doctors are able to obtain the clearest view of the bowel when it is flushed completely free of waste material. The thoroughness of this intestinal cleaning depends on you. Without your cooperation, the examination cannot accomplish its purpose and may have to be repeated.

If you are taking anticoagulants or blood thinners such as (but not limited to) those listed below, please discuss this with your Health Care Provider. In most circumstances, these medications are temporarily discontinued prior to your procedure.

• Coumadin (warfarin)
• Plavix (clopidogrel)
• Persantine (dipyridamole)
• Aggrenox (aspirin-dipyridamole)
• Effient (prasugrel)
• Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate)
• Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
• Eliquis (apixaban)

Certain weight reduction and diabetic medications can slow the emptying of the stomach and increase the risk of aspiration when sedated for the procedure. Some of these medications need held up to a week before the procedure. If you have not reviewed your medications with us, please contact the office to review. Using the patient portal is the best and most efficient way to communicate with us.

If you have questions or you need to reschedule or cancel your procedure, please message us through your patient portal or call (717) 761-0930.

Supplies

1. Two (2) 5mg Dulcolax (bisacodyl) laxative tablets.
2. Lavage solution – Prescription sent to your local pharmacy.
3. Crystal Lite flavor pack (optional).

5 Days Before Procedure

1. Do not take any ibuprofen products (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories – NSAIDS). Tylenol (acetaminophen) is allowed.  If you are on aspirin, you may continue the aspirin.
2. Do not take oral iron tablets.
3. Avoid foods that contain seeds or nuts. These foods take longer to pass through the bowel and should be avoided.

2 Days Before Procedure

1. You may eat your regular diet.
2. Take two (2) 5mg Dulcolax (bisacodyl) laxative tablets about 6 pm.  Note, you may have abdominal cramps from the Dulcolax.  If these develop, they should resolve once you begin having bowel movements.

The Day Before Procedure and First Dose of Preparation

1. You will need to follow a clear liquid diet the entire day before your procedure. We ask that you avoid dark colored clear liquids (red, purple, or dark blue). NO milk products, NO vegetables, NO breads or grains, NO meats and NO fats or oils are allowed. By rule of thumb, a clear liquid is one that can be seen through. Some examples include clear juices without pulp, clear soda, chicken or beef broth, popsicles, Jell-O, Italian ice, tea, coffee, clear hard candy, etc. If you are diabetic, drink regular (non-diet) liquids in moderation throughout the day.
2. Mix 1 gallon of lavage solution according to the directions on the label. You may add enough Crystal Lite to flavor one gallon as long as it has a lemonade or citrus flavoring. Do not add any pink or red colored flavorings to the solution. Refrigerate.
3. At 5:00 p.m., begin drinking the prep solution. Drink an 8 oz glass every 10 to 15 minutes. It is best to drink the whole glass rapidly, rather than sipping small amounts continuously. Drink one-half (1/2) gallon of the solution over two hours by drinking 8-ounces every 10 to 15 minutes. Bowel movements usually, but not always, occur about one hour after the first glass. NOTE: It is normal to feel very “full” or “bloated” during your prep. Some people may also experience nausea and vomiting. If this occurs, simply wait about 30 minutes before resuming drinking.  Sipping some ginger ale can help.  Walking around can also help move the fluid downstream and relieve the nausea. The nausea will likely disappear once bowel movements begin. If the vomiting becomes persistent, please call our office at (717) 761-0930.
4. Place the remainder of the prep solution in the refrigerator.
5. You may drink clear liquids until you go to bed.

Second Dose of Preparation

1. Seven (7) hours before the procedure, begin drinking the remaining half of the solution. Drink 8-ounces every 10 to 15 minutes. You may stop once your bowel movements turn clear (like water) or pale yellow (like urine). NOTE: If you are scheduled for an early morning procedure, you will need to set your alarm to assure the preparation is taken at the correct time. We are aware of the inconvenience and disruption to your sleep, but the two-stage prep provides a superior cleansing of the colon. You must finish with the prep within 4 hours of your procedure time. If your bowel movements are not clear or pale yellow after drinking the entire solution, please call our office at (717) 761-0930.

On the Day of the Procedure

1. Do not have anything to eat.
2. At 6:00 a.m., take any currently prescribed heart and blood pressure medications (except for blood thinners, as detailed above) with a sip of water.
3. If you are diabetic: Do not take your diabetic medications (pills or insulin) the morning of your procedure. If you normally monitor your blood sugars at home, please check your blood sugar the morning of your procedure. If your blood sugar is over 150 or below 90, please contact the West Shore Endoscopy Center at (717) 975-2430. An anesthesia specialist will provide you with further instructions.
4. Stop drinking clear liquids at least four (4) hours before the procedure. No chewing gum, hard candy or chewing tobacco at least 4 hours prior to the procedure.
5. Please report to your appointment as scheduled. NOTE: Plan to be at the procedure center for about two to two and one-half hours.
6. A driver must come with you in order to drive you home after the procedure. You will be sedated for your colonoscopy. You may not drive for 12 hours after the procedure. For later afternoon procedures, drivers must be present no later than 4:00 p.m. The West Shore Endoscopy Center closes at 4:00 p.m.