Half Lytely Bowel Prep for Colonoscopy
There are several methods of preparation for a colonoscopy. If your physician at Digestive Healthcare Center advises you to follow the Half Lytely bowel prep method, please review the following instructions so that the procedure can be completed as accurately as possible. If you have any questions about how to prepare for your colonoscopy, please contact our office.
How to Prepare for Colonoscopy
Purchase at the Pharmacy
Half Lytely Preparation Kit (prescription from your doctor)
One Week Prior to the Procedure
- DO NOT take iron pills or medications that may cause bleeding. These mediations include: Plavix, Coumadin, Aspirin, Percodan, Alka-Selzer, Ecotrin, Bufferin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Naprosyn, Naproxen, Sulindac, Piroxicam, Indomethacin, Indocin, Diclofenac and Voltaren.
- TYLENOL or ACETAMINOPHEN is safe to take prior to the procedure.
One Day before the Procedure
- Morning: Mix Half Lytely according to instructions & refrigerate
- Have only a clear liquid diet throughout the day. NO SOLID FOODS. Avoid liquids that are red or purple as well as dairy products or liquids that you cannot see through such as orange or tomato juice.
- Examples of clear liquids:
- Soup broth
- Clear juices (white grape, apple, white cranberry)
- Lemon or lime jellos
- Sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade, Propel) (no red)
- Popsicles (no red)
- Italian ices (no red)
- Water
- Coffee / Tea without milk
- Iced tea
- At 3:00 pm – Take all (2) Biscodyl Tablets with water. DO NOT CRUSH OR CHEW. Do not take Biscodyl within one hour of taking antacid.
- At 6:00 pm – Begin drinking Half Lytely. Drink one 8 oz glass every 15 minutes. It is best to drink the whole glass rapidly, rather than sipping slowly. Continue drinking until the bottle is empty. If you develop cramping, bloating or nausea while drinking the preparation, you should stop drinking and relax for about a half an hour. Then you can resume drinking the solution. The diarrhea will usually continue for several hours after completing the bowel preparation. You can continue to drink clear liquids until midnight.
The Day of Your Colonoscopy
- Continue clear liquids until 4 hours before your procedure.
- You may take your vital medications with a small sip of water.
- You may brush your teeth.
- Please arrive for your procedure at least a half an hour prior to your procedure time.
- Please make sure you have arranged ahead of time for a responsible adult (age 18 or over) to drive you home after the procedure.
- If you are a diabetic, to avoid dangerously low blood sugar, please do not take your oral medications for your diabetes or your insulin on the morning of your procedure. You can resume your diabetes medications after the procedure, once you have eaten. If you are taking insulin it is always a good idea to check with your endocrinologist or primary doctor as to the best way to manage your blood sugars. Please bring your insulin with you. If you are unsure about taking any medication, please call us.
- If you are taking coumadin, plavix, or aspirin, it may need to be stopped prior to your procedure. Please ask your doctor. These medications are usually stopped several days before your procedure.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing such as a sweat suit. No metal should be worn including underwire bras or zippers. Leave all jewelry at home including belly rings & tongue piercings.
- If you are a smoker, it is advised that you do not smoke at least 6 hours before the procedure.
After Your Colonoscopy
- You must arrange for a responsible adult (18 or over) to drive you home. Going home in a taxi is not allowed.
- The effects of the anesthesia can persist for 24 hours. After receiving the sedation, you must exercise extreme caution before engaging in any activity that could be harmful to yourself or others (such as driving a car). Do not make any important decisions and do not drink any alcoholic beverages during this time period.
- Take only the medication that is prescribed by your doctor.
- After your procedure, you may have anything you’d like to eat or drink. You will probably want to start with something light. Please include plenty of fluids. Avoid items that cause gas such as sodas and salads.
- If your procedure required the placement of a metal clip, you cannot have an MRI for 30 days.
Colonoscopy at Digestive Healthcare Center in Somerset County
Proper preparation is crucial for the completion of a successful colonoscopy. Please follow all instructions given to you by your physician, and contact us with any questions you have. We are proud to provide comprehensive digestive health care and services to patients at our three gastroenterology centers in NJ, with colonoscopies performed at our Hillsborough office and surgical center. To learn more or schedule your appointment, please contact us today.