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Is Intake Of Laxative Effective Before A Colonoscopy?

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Posted on Mon, 28 Nov 2016
Question: I need an answer IMMEDIATELY. I'm having a colonoscopy at 8:30am cst TODAY and I HAVE NOT EMPTIED MY COLON despite doing all the prep yesterday. Can I take more laxative this morning?
HERE'S THE WHOLE STORY:
Yesterday, early morning, I made a homemade smoothy with two bananas, almond milk, parsley, and Turmaric. I assumed that was okay, because my instruction Sheet made it clear that I was to be on an all liquid diet.
Also yesterday, I drank a total of 64 ounces of clear soda, took 4 Dulcolax Laxative Tablets at 3pm, I mixed clear soda with a little over 8 oz. of MiraLAX at 5pm and again at 10pm. And now it's 4:39am and I have had no sleep and ONLY ONE SMALL bowel movement.
I'm a little nauseated, and feel bloated. I know that all that liquid and laxatives should have cleared my colon out. But I'm afraid that they will not do the colonoscopy, since I have not been able to clear out my colon.
I finally got up, did some exercises, and piddled in the kitchen...hoping to stimulate my bowels and have the type of bowel movement I need, so I can have my colonoscopy this morning. But still...no luck. Any suggestions? Can I take more Dulcolax?
Thank you,
XXXXX




doctor
Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You can take more laxative to empty bowel now

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Emptying bowel is important before colonoscopy. The colonoscopy can be delayed further in the day of course you should stay nil by mouth till then.
You should try taking more laxative to empty the bowel like Dulcolax.
There are other quick things that help but since you do not have any now in hand, I suggest to take one more dose of Dulcolax.

Hope this answers.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (9 minutes later)
Even though my colonoscopy is in 2 hours and 15 minutes, you recommend that I take how many Dulcolax pills?

And since I can't eat or drink until after the procedure, should I just simply swallow the Dulcolax pills since I haven't had anything to drink since midnight.
doctor
Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
half of the dose recommended as the previous night 2 tablets

Detailed Answer:
I suggest to try with half the previous night dose, ie 2 or 3 tablets. You can take with one or two sips of water. If you go to the appointment the technician or nurse would help you as well with quicker solution.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. V. N. S. Parinam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1727 Questions

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Is Intake Of Laxative Effective Before A Colonoscopy?

Brief Answer: You can take more laxative to empty bowel now Detailed Answer: Hi, Emptying bowel is important before colonoscopy. The colonoscopy can be delayed further in the day of course you should stay nil by mouth till then. You should try taking more laxative to empty the bowel like Dulcolax. There are other quick things that help but since you do not have any now in hand, I suggest to take one more dose of Dulcolax. Hope this answers.