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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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When Must Magnesium Nitrate Be Taken Before A Colonoscopy?

Hi. I am preparing for a colonoscopy on 11/8. The pharmacy gave me magnesium nitrate to start the prep. I am to take the full bottle. The problem is the prescribing info says to take it at 11oon. Following day I take 2 bisacodyl tabs and then start the go litely. Not sure if 11oon means 11am or 11pm.
Mon, 21 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.

Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that appears to work by increasing fluid in the small intestine. It usually results in a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 3 hours.

The preferred method of bowel preparation for a colonoscopy should taken as split dosing in the following manner:

Take half the liquid laxative the night before the colonoscopy and the other half about six hours before the procedure. It may clean the colon more thoroughly compared to taking all the laxative the day before the procedure.

Drink an additional three glasses (8 oz each) of clear liquids, and continue to drink clear liquids (at least two more glasses) before bedtime and an additional three glasses (8 oz each) of clear liquids after the second dose of the laxative.

Hope this will help you in getting the adequate bowel evacuation before the colonoscopy.

Best wishes.
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When Must Magnesium Nitrate Be Taken Before A Colonoscopy?

Hi & Welcome. Magnesium citrate is a saline laxative that appears to work by increasing fluid in the small intestine. It usually results in a bowel movement within 30 minutes to 3 hours. The preferred method of bowel preparation for a colonoscopy should taken as split dosing in the following manner: Take half the liquid laxative the night before the colonoscopy and the other half about six hours before the procedure. It may clean the colon more thoroughly compared to taking all the laxative the day before the procedure. Drink an additional three glasses (8 oz each) of clear liquids, and continue to drink clear liquids (at least two more glasses) before bedtime and an additional three glasses (8 oz each) of clear liquids after the second dose of the laxative. Hope this will help you in getting the adequate bowel evacuation before the colonoscopy. Best wishes.