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Half-Gallon Prep (Morning and Afternoon)

(Named “Half-Lytely”, which contains Peg 3350, Sodium Chloride, Sodium bicarbonate, Potassium Chloride, and Bisacodyl delayed release tablets) PURCHASED AT YOUR LOCAL PHARMACY

 

PDF Icon Click Here to download the Half Gallon Morning Procedure Prep Instructions
   
PDF Icon Click Here to download the Half Gallon Afternoon Procedure Prep Instructions

Please Read ALL Instructions Carefully

Morning Procedure

Five Days Before Your Exam:

  • STOP taking iron and multivitamins containing iron five days prior to procedure.
  • If you are taking Coumadin or other blood thinners, contact us at 303-444-4066 regarding specific instructions as to when to stop taking these medications.
  • If you are a diabetic, contact us at 303-444-4066 regarding specific instructions.  

CONTINUE YOUR REGULAR MEDICATIONS UNLESS YOU ARE TOLD OTHERWISE.

Two to Three Days Before Your Exam:

  • Purchase the HALF GALLON COLON PREP from your pharmacy. You will need a prescription from our office. Half-Lytely is unflavored, but is available with flavor packets, to enhance the flavor; you may also instead add one packet of Crystal Light Lemonade-Flavored Soft Drink Mix. 
  • From your grocery store, purchase
    • Clear liquids, such as water, tea, coffee (NO CREAMER), 7-Up, ginger ale, apple or white grape juice (no juice that is red or purple), clear soup broth, gelatin (no red or purple), popsicles (no red or purple) or Gatorade (no red or purple) or 100% cranberry or pomegranate juice (even though it is red, there is no dye in it).
    • A lemon or lime.
    • Tucks medicated wipes or baby wipes (alcohol and fragrance free) and Charmin Plus toilet tissue to minimize the expected anal irritation from wiping.

The Day Before Your Exam:

 

If Your Colonoscopy is Scheduled for the Morning
Follow These Instructions the Day Before Your Exam:
Morning Have a CLEAR LIQUID BREAKFAST

Noon

 Have a CLEAR LIQUID LUNCH.  You may have as many clear liquids as you want.  (Listed above)

Around 1:00 p.m.

Take 2 of the Bisacodyl Tablets (included in prep kit)
Around 4:00 p.m.

Take the remaining 2 Bisacodyl Tablets.  This will result in some bowel movements in the afternoon, but you should still be able to work, attend school, etc.

Dinner

 Have a CLEAR LIQUID DINNER.

After Dinner

Prepare or mix together your half gallon prep.  Carefully read the instructions for mixing the solution.  Refrigerating it can help with the taste.  Begin drinking the half gallon prep.  Drink 8 ounces every 10 minutes.  If this becomes difficult, drink a glass every 15 or more minutes, as you can tolerate.  It’s best to drink each glass quickly rather than slowly sipping.  To clear your palate of the taste try sucking a lemon or lime wedge before and after each glass.  Drink the whole half-gallon of prep.

 

Note: Yes, it takes the whole half gallon of laxative solution to really do a good job. If you want an accurate examination, it is important that your preparation for the test is complete. If your colon is not well cleaned out, the test may have to be rescheduled for another day.

  • Feelings of bloating, chills, and/or nausea are common after the first few glasses, due to the large volume of fluid ingested. This is temporary and will improve once bowel movements begin. Most people have a bowel movement within an hour or two of starting the laxative. Sometimes, there may be a delay of four hours. You just need to be patient. Just remember to stay close to a bathroom.
  • Tucks/baby wipes and Charmin Plus toilet tissue may help with irritation after the numerous bowel movements.

That Evening

Continue with CLEAR LIQUIDS.
The Day of Your Exam:
Morning of the Exam You may continue CLEAR LIQUIDS up to 3 hours prior to the procedure. Take nothing by mouth – NOT EVEN CLEAR LIQUIDS – three (3) hours before your exam. However, you may take medications, with sips of water.

Things to Remember Before You Go to Our Clinic

  • Do not bring or wear any jewelry on the day of your procedure.
  • Please bring a current list of your medications and allergies (if this is written out it may expedite your check in time).
  • Please bring a photo ID and insurance card if we have not already scanned it into our system.
  • YOU MUST HAVE AN ADULT DRIVER, 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO DRIVE YOU HOME AFTER THE PROCEDURE WHO WILL ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOU.  The person driving you must remain at the facility or be within a 15 minute driving distance.  The staff will notify them when your procedure is complete.  Your designated adult driver will be responsible to be present at discharge for the instructions and teaching.  You are not allowed to take a taxi, bus, access a ride, walk home, etc.  If you do not have a ride your procedure will have to be cancelled.  You will be asked not to drive, sign legal documents or consume alcohol for 24 hrs.  It might be helpful if someone stays with you for the following 6 hours after the procedure in case you are still sleepy. 
  • Plan to be at the facility a total of 1-2 hours for check-in, procedure and recovery.  Your ride will be permitted to stay with you during check in and recovery.  They will be asked to stay in the waiting area during your procedure. 

 

 

Afternoon Procedure

PDF Icon Click Here to download the Half Gallon Afternoon Procedure Prep Instructions

 

Five Days Before Your Exam:

  • STOP taking iron and multivitamins containing iron five days prior to procedure.
  • If you are taking Coumadin or other blood thinners, contact us at 303-444-4066 regarding specific instructions as to when to stop taking these medications.
  • If you are a diabetic, contact us at 303-444-4066 regarding specific instructions.  

CONTINUE YOUR REGULAR MEDICATIONS UNLESS YOU ARE TOLD OTHERWISE.

Two to Three Days Before Your Exam:

  • Purchase the HALF GALLON COLON PREP from your pharmacy. You will need a prescription from our office. Half-Lytely is unflavored, but is available with flavor packets, to enhance the flavor; you may also instead add one packet of Crystal Light Lemonade-Flavored Soft Drink Mix. 
  • From your grocery store, purchase
    • Clear liquids, such as water, tea, coffee (NO CREAMER), 7-Up, ginger ale, apple or white grape juice (no juice that is red or purple), clear soup broth, gelatin (no red or purple), popsicles (no red or purple) or Gatorade (no red or purple) or 100% cranberry or pomegranate juice (even though it is red, there is no dye in it).
    • Full liquids, such as milk shakes, creamy soups, pudding, yogurt, tomato juice, fruit juice, or cream of wheat.
    • A lemon or lime.
    • Tucks medicated wipes or baby wipes (alcohol and fragrance free) and Charmin Plus toilet tissue to minimize the expected anal irritation from wiping.

The Day Before Your Exam:

 

If Your Colonoscopy is Scheduled for the Afternoon
Follow These Instructions the Day Before Your Exam:
Morning Have a FULL LIQUID breakfast.
Noon Have a CLEAR LIQUID lunch.
About 4:00 PM

Take the 2 Bisacodyl Tablets (included in prep kit)

Dinner

 Have a CLEAR LIQUID dinner.  You may have as many full liquids as you want.  (listed above)

That Evening

Continue eating and drinking CLEAR LIQUIDS only. (listed above)
The Day of Your Exam:
Morning Prepare or mix together your half-gallon prep. Carefully read the instructions for mixing the solution.  Refrigerating it can help with the taste.
At least 6 hours prior to your procedure

Begin drinking the half gallon prep.  Drink 8 ounces every 10 minutes.  If this becomes difficult, drink a glass every 15 or more minutes, as you can tolerate.  It’s best to drink each glass quickly rather than slowly sipping.  To clear your palate of the taste try sucking a lemon or lime wedge before and after each glass.  Drink the whole half-gallon of prep.

Note:  Yes, it takes the whole half-gallon of laxative solution to really do a good job.  If you want an accurate examination, it is important that your preparation for the test is complete.  If your colon is not well cleaned out, the test may have to be rescheduled for another day.

  • Feelings of bloating, chills and/or nausea are common after the first few glasses, due to the large volume of fluid ingested.  This is temporary and will improve once bowel movements begin.  Most people have a bowel movement within an hour or two of starting the laxative.  Sometimes, there may be a delay of four hours.  You just need to be patient.  Just remember to stay close to a bathroom.
  • Tucks/baby wipes and Charmin Plus toilet tissue may help with irritation after the numerous bowel movements.

 

 
 
Up to 3 Hours
Before the Exam		 You may continue CLEAR LIQUIDS up to 3 hours prior to the procedure.  Take nothing by mouth-NOT EVEN CLEAR LIQUIDS-3 hours before your exam.  However, you may take medications with sips of water.

Things to Remember Before You Go to Our Clinic

  • Do not bring or wear any jewelry on the day of your procedure
  • Please bring a current list of medications and allergies (if this is written out it may expedite your check in time)
  • Please bring a photo ID and insurance card if we have not already scanned it into our system.
  • YOU MUST HAVE AN ADULT DRIVER, 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO DRIVE YOU HOME AFTER THE PROCEDURE WHO WILL ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOU.  The person driving you must remain at the facility or be within a 15 minute driving distance.  The staff will notify them when your procedure is complete.  Your designated adult driver will be responsible to be present at discharge for the instructions and teaching.  You are not allowed to take a taxi, bus, access a ride, walk home, etc.  If you do not have a ride your procedure will have to be cancelled.  You will be asked not to drive, sign legal documents or consume alcohol for 24 hrs.  It might be helpful if someone stays with you for the following 6 hours after the procedure in case you are still sleepy. 
  • Plan to be at the facility a total of 1-2 hours for check-in, procedure and recovery.  Your ride will be permitted to stay with you during check in and recovery.  They will be asked to stay in the waiting area during your procedure. 
 

If you have any questions, please call our office at 303.444.4066

Updated 09/03/2008

Endoscopy Center of the Rockies and St. Vrain Endoscopy Center were developed by members of the medical community interested in providing quality care in a comfortable setting.  Physicians of Gastroenterology of the Rockies have an ownership interest in these centers.