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How to Prepare for Your Colonoscopy with GoLytely®
(generic: PEG-electrolyte; other brand names: NuLytely®, Gavilyte®)

Please read this entire handout carefully today to prepare for your scheduled colonoscopy procedure. There may be medication instructions that begin as early as five days before your procedure. This handout has detailed instructions for before and after your procedure. We want to make sure you are well prepared for your colonoscopy. If you have any questions, please call us at the number your doctor provided. We would be glad to answer any questions about your scheduled procedure. 

Before Your Procedure

Getting Your GoLytely® Kit and Laxatives (if directed) at the Pharmacy

  • Your doctor will give you a prescription for GoLytely® kit. Pick up your GoLytely® kit at your pharmacy at least one day before your procedure.
  • Each GoLytely® kit contains a disposable 4-liter container with a powder packet. It also contains a pineapple flavor packet for optional use. Do not follow the instructions on the GoLytely box. Please follow the instructions detailed on this handout.
  • Only if your doctor directs, buy over the counter laxative bisacodyl (brand name: Dulcolax®). You will need to take 2 tablets. Do not buy docusate, which is a stool softener, and is not the same.
  • Only if your doctor directs, buy over the counter simethicone (brand names: Gas-X®, Mylicon®, Phazyme®) drops or pills.


Medications and Supplements

  • If you take any medications or vitamins (especially heart or diabetes medications or blood thinners), please speak with your doctor. Your doctor will let you know if/when you should stop taking your medication(s).
  • Take your medications as prescribed with small sips of water (if needed) the day of your procedure. Do this unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.


Beginning Three Days Before Your Procedure

  • Do not eat corn, quinoa, lentils, peas, beans, fruits with seeds, leafy vegetables, red beets, nuts or anything with seeds. Do not eat these foods for three days before your colonoscopy. This way you are clear and clean before your procedure.


One Day Before Your Procedure

  • Begin a clear liquid diet as soon as you wake up (for example, water, clear juices, soda, sports drinks, plain tea or black coffee). Do not eat or drink food that is not clear. Do not drink milk, milkshakes, fruit or vegetable smoothies, juices that are not clear or alcohol until after your procedure. This is for your colon to be clear and clean for your procedure.
  • Do not drink red beet juice or any liquid with seeds.
  • Drink as much liquid as you can. This will help make sure you are prepared for and feel strong on the day of your colonoscopy.


Starting the Preparation (One Day before the Procedure)

Note: Prep start times may differ by doctor. Your doctor will confirm start times with you.

Step 1: Mix the GoLytely® Solution

  • Add lukewarm tap or bottled drinking water to the top of the line of the bottle. If you wish, you can add the pineapple flavor packet to the solution.
    • Close the bottle with its cap and shake well to dissolve the powder.
    • Make sure that the mixed solution is clear and colorless even if you added the pineapple flavor packet.
  • Put the solution in the fridge. Please remember that you must drink the solution within 24 hours.
    • If you have kept the prep in the refrigerator and you begin to feel too cold when drinking the prep, take the prep out of the refrigerator, pause the prep for 15 minutes, and restart the preparation as the fluid warms up.


Step 2: Start Drinking First Half of GoLytely®

  • Only if your doctor directs, take the 2 bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) laxative tablets 2-4 hours before starting to drink your prep. Drink the tablets with 8 ounces of water or other clear liquids.
  • In the mid to late afternoon, drink one 8 ounce glass of GoLytely® every 15-20 minutes until half the bottle is finished. This should be about 8 glasses in all.
  • Put the remaining half of the GoLytely® in the fridge. Drink it later that evening or the next morning depending on the time of your scheduled procedure (see Step 3 for more detail).
  • Continue to drink liquids throughout the evening.
  • You will begin to have watery bowel movements about one hour after starting to drink the solution.
  • Your bowel movements will get lighter in color and watery as you drink the solution.
  • You should complete the entire prep to make sure you have the most effective cleansing.
  • Drink plenty of clear liquids all day and evening until you go to bed. You will stay strong and feel better!


Step 3: Complete Drinking Second Half of GoLytely®

  • Only if your doctor directs, add 2 droppers full of simethicone liquid to the second half of the GoLytely®. If you bought simethicone pills, take 2 pills and then start drinking the GoLytely®.
  • If your procedure is scheduled before 11:00 am, drink the second half of the GoLytely® starting at 9:00 pm the night before the colonoscopy.
  • If your procedure is scheduled for 12:00 noon or after, drink the second half of the GoLytely® starting at 6:00 am the day of your procedure.
  • Your bowel movements may stop about 2-3 hours after you have finished the second dose of the GoLytely® solution.

 

Helpful Tips

  • Please note that some patients may have nausea with vomiting during the prep. If this happens to you, take a break from drinking the prep for about 30 minutes. Then start drinking it again but at a slower pace. You must drink the entire dose.
  • Keeping the prep in the fridge for a while may make it taste better.
  • Drinking the prep through a straw may make it easier to drink.
  • Walking between drinking each glass can help ease bloating.
  • Sucking on hard candies may help.
  • Using baby wipes instead of toilet paper may feel better.
  • You may apply some Vaseline® or Desitin® to your anal area / between your buttocks before starting the prep. This helps with irritation. Reapply as needed. You can also use over the counter hydrocortisone creams, hemorrhoid treatments or Tucks®.
  • Stay close to a toilet during the prep. You may have several bowel movements during this time. The prep often works within 30 minutes but may take as long as 3 hours.
  • Remember: The key to a good prep is to drink plenty of liquids throughout the day. This not only cleans out your colon but also keeps you strong!


The Day of Your Procedure

  • Stop all drinking/eating (including the prep, chewing gum, and hard candies) 2 hours before your scheduled procedure.
  • Bring a list of your medications with you on the day of your procedure.
  • Take your medications as prescribed with small sips of water (if needed) the morning of your procedure. Do this unless instructed otherwise (refer to the Medications and Supplements section on the first page). Discuss with your doctor the medications you can or cannot take.
  • Allow extra timeto travel to your procedure. You may need to stop and use a restroom along the way.


After Your Procedure

  • We will give you medication to sedate you during your colonoscopy. This medication will relax you and make you feel comfortable. You must arrange for a responsible adult to escort you home for your safety. If you do not have a responsible adult who will pick you up or escort you via public transportation after your procedure, we must cancel it.
  • If we remove a large polyp during your procedure, you may have a 10-day restriction on travel. Be aware of this in case you may have to change your routine and schedule during this time.
  • Do not drive, ride a bike, make important legal/business decisions, be solely responsible for the care of small children, or operate heavy machinery for the rest of the day. This is because you may feel drowsy.
  • Unless your doctor directs otherwise, you may resume your normal diet following the procedure.

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.