Colonoscopy Halflytely® Preparation
PREPARATION BEGINS BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT
YOU WILL NEED TO BUY:
- HalfLytely® Bowel Prep Kit (by prescription) containing 2 bisacodyl laxative tablets and HalfLytely® powder for solution
- Items from the clear liquid diet list on the next page such as Jell-O, broth and clear juices or drinks
- Desitin® cream may help if the rectal area becomes irritated by frequent stools during your preparation
DIET INSTRUCTIONS:
Some foods make it more difficult to clean the colon well. Avoid large amounts of nuts or seeds, including flax seed, and lettuce salads 2-3 days before your procedure. Also avoid fat free Pringles or Frito-Lay Light snacks one week prior to your appointment. These foods contain Olestra, a fat substitute that can leave a thick film in the colon.
The day before your appointment you must be on a clear liquid diet. Clear liquids are any liquid that you can see through. Avoid any red liquids or alcoholic beverages.
CLEAR LIQUIDS INCLUDE:
- Water
- Clear fruit juices such as apple or white grape
- Bouillon or clear broth
- Jell-O without fruit added - no red flavors
- Hard candy
- Coffee and tea without milk or creamer
- Popsicles - no red flavors
- Gatorade®, Powerade®, or Propel®- no red flavors
- Carbonated beverages such as Coke, 7-Up, Mountain Dew, etc.
THE DAY BEFORE THE PROCEDURE:
Beginning the day before your scheduled appointment, consume only clear liquids in place of solid food the entire day.
AT NOON:
Take two (2) bisacodyl tablets (included in the Halflytely prescription) with a glass of water.
EARLY IN THE AFTERNOON:
Mix the HalfLytely® according to the instructions on the label - chill in the refrigerator.
AT 5 PM:
Start drinking the HalfLytely® solution. Drink 8 ounces every 10 to 15 minutes until the solution is half gone. Store the remaining solution in the refrigerator.
Continue to drink only clear liquids.
5 to 6 HOURS BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED PROCEDURE TIME:
Drink the remaining laxative solution 8 ounces every 15 minutes until gone. The correct timing of this dose is essential to an effective preparation. The quality of the preparation has a profound impact on how well the physician is able to detect small lesions in the colon. If you must travel an hour or longer to reach our facility, you should begin this step of your preparation at least 6 hours before your procedure but not greater than 7 hours before.
Once you have completed your prep solution have nothing by mouth until after your procedure.
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