The night before your
colonoscopy or
barium enema x-ray, you will probably need to empty your bowels with a laxative such as colyte
® (
polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution). This product comes in the form of a powder that is mixed with water to form a solution. It is swallowed in eight-ounce portions every 10 minutes.
The medication is taken until the stool is watery and clear. It normally takes three to four liters of colyte solution to produce clear, watery stool. At least one hour is needed between the appearance of the clear liquid stool and the bowel procedure.
Prior to prescribing this medicine, your healthcare provider needs a complete list of any other drugs you are taking, including nonprescription products, vitamins, and supplements, and a detailed medical history. colyte is not appropriate for everyone, and providing this information helps ensure that the right medication is used in your situation.
(Click Colyte for more information on preparing this solution. This article also features in-depth information on the drug's effects in the body and gives an overview of side effects, safety precautions, and more.)
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