Golytely Colonoscopy Preparation
This describes the split colonoscopy preparation using Golytely. Please read carefully around 1-2 weeks before your scheduled day.
What You Need For Golytely Preparation
Two Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) 5 mg tablets (Over the counter), make sure not to confuse with Dulcolax Stool Softener.
Golytely mixture/solution.
Four Simethicone 80 mg chewable tablet.
Two Weeks Before Your Colonoscopy:
Check with your pharmacy to make sure your medication is available.
It is a good idea to discuss with your primary care physician important aspects of your medical plan including:
- If you are taking blood thinners talk about whether you are able to stop them around the time of the procedure, and whether you need to be on other medications during that time.
- Talk about any medical condition that you may have that can change our plan the day of the procedure, including implanted devices such as heart devices, insulin pumps for diabetes or any other concern.
- Make sure that any new symptoms are evaluated, especially before non urgent procedures.
Five Days Before Your Colonoscopy:
Start a low residue diet, if you need further information please refer to our patient resource section.
Stop iron, including multivitamin pills that contain iron.
Make sure all your plans are ready for the endoscopy day, including arranging a ride home with a friend or family member.
Have plenty of clear liquids available at home
One Day Before: The Day of Preparation
All the meals including breakfast will have to be from clear liquid diet. Please refer to clear liquid diet in patient resources for further information.
At 8:00 am add water up to the fill line of the Golytely colonoscopy bowel prep jug. Mix well and place in refrigerator.
Drink only clear liquids all day. Do not eat solid foods or milk products.
Take 2 dulcolax 5 mg tablets and 2 simethicone 80 mg chewable tablets.
Start drinking your bowel prep at 5:00PM. Drink 8 ounces every 10-15 minutes until half of the solution is finished. If your colonoscopy is in the afternoon you have the option of drinking the whole preparation the next morning given that you finish 4 hours before leaving to the endoscopy.
You will have many bowel movements so be prepared. Soft and moisturized wipes can be helpful.
Day of Your Colonoscopy Procedure:
Take 2 simethicone 80 mg chewable tablets then begin drinking the other half of your bowel prep 5-6 hours before you leave home. That usually requires starting really early at 2:00 am. You have to start sooner if your procedure is scheduled in the afternoon and you have to drink the whole preparation the day of the colonoscopy.
You may continue to drink clear liquids for up to 3-4 hours before coming to the planned location.
Arrive at the time recommended by the endoscopy center. You have to be with an adult who will accompany you home.
Bring all your medical equipment that you need with you to the procedure, especially your CPAP machine if you have sleep apnea.
Vomiting can happen especially if you are drinking the preparation too fast, if you had an episode of vomiting stop drinking the preparation and attempt to resume in 30 minutes to an hour. If symptoms persist seek immediate medical attention.
Sometimes bowel movements can be delayed, if you did not have adequate bowel movements immediately, without abdominal pain or any other symptoms you can continue with the preparation. However, if you started having abdominal pain, significant bloating nausea and vomiting seek immediate medical attention.