Colonoscopy - Golytely/Nu-Lytely 2 day preparation
Have someone drive you or be available to drive you home the day of the procedure. Due to the sedation you will not be allowed to drive yourself. Somebody responsible for you can accompany you in a taxi but no public transport is allowed. This is for your own safety. Your procedure will be canceled if you do not have a ride.
It is recommended that you do not go back to work, do any strenuous exercise, drive or sign any legal documents after the procedure.
Please contact our office immediately if you have any of the following medical conditions and have not already discussed this with us:
- History of liver, kidney (dialysis), heart or lung disease.
- Anticoagulation therapy (Coumadin or Heparin).
- Excessive bleeding during previous surgery or dental extraction.
- Have diabetes.
Please notify us if you have any special health care needs.
Preparation
Purchase Go-lytely (or Nu-lytely) from your drugstore using the prescription enclosed. It comes in powder form and you need to mix it with water when you are ready to use it. Please note that if it is kept mixed for longer than 2 days it loses its effect.
7 days before colonoscopy
Stop taking iron, aspirin, aspirin products or Pepto Bismol.
Please note that Tylenol (acetaminophen) does not interfere with the procedure. Please consult your physician if you have any questions about your medication, especially if you have been told not to stop taking these drugs suddenly without medical advice.
5 days before colonoscopy
Stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (e.g. Motrin, Advil, Feldene, Naprosyn Nuprin, Celebrex and Vioxx).
2 days before colonoscopy
Consume clear liquids all day. Do not drink milk or red colored liquids as this can interfere with the test. Medicines should be taken on your regular schedule except for those mentioned above.
1 day before colonoscopy
Consume clear liquids all day. Do not drink milk or red colored liquids as this can interfere with the test. Medicines should be taken on your regular schedule except for those mentioned above.
Start the 4 liters (one gallon) of Go-lytely (or Nu-lytely) between noon and 4:00pm. It will take 3 to 4 hours to drink (approximately 1 8-oz. glass every 10 to 15 minutes).
Here are a few suggestions:
- Chill the Go-lytely/Nu-lytely before drinking.
- Suck on a lemon or lime wedge after each glass.
- Do not drink anything except water, if needed, while drinking the Go-lytely/Nu-lytely. After completely finishing the Go/Nu-lytely you may continue to drink any clear liquids, but no solid food.
Day of colonoscopy
- Drink clear liquids only. Your preparation is complete when you are no longer passing stool but a clear yellow/green liquid.
- NOTHING BY MOUTH 4 HOURS BEFORE PROCEDURE. Medicine should be taken on your regular schedule, except those already mentioned, until 4 hours before the procedure.
- Wear loose comfortable clothing. You may keep short sleeve clothing on during the procedure under the gown that we provide. The procedure room can be cold so you may wish to bring socks too. Please avoid using fingernail polish.
If you need to change or cancel this appointment, please notify us at least one week in advance at (650) 725-3374. This will enable us to schedule another patient for that appointment time.