COLONLYTELY

THE BOWEL PREPARATION

As preparation for your colonoscopy you are required to drink 3 litres of Colonlytely. This comes in the form of 3 sachets of powder each of which mixes with 1 litre of water. You can add some sugar free cordial (lemon or lime only) to improve the taste. We recommend that you stop eating solid food 2 hours prior to commencing the Colonlytely solution. You are required to drink one litre per hour by gradually drinking a cupful (about 250ml) every 15 minutes. This solution will clear the bowel by inducing diarrhoea from 1 to 3 hours (usually after drinking the first litre). If you feel nauseous or bloated, slow down and drink small amounts at a time.

MORNING PROCEDURE

Patients who are booked to have their colonoscopy on a morning list need to follow the following regimen.
2PM – Last solid food
4PM – Drink first litre of Colonlytely
5PM – Drink second litre of Colonlytely
6PM – Drink third litre of Colonlytely
Clear fluids only can be taken until bed time then fast completely until admission time.

AFTERNOON PROCEDURE

Patients who are booked to have their colonoscopy on an afternoon list need to follow the following regimen.
3PM – Last solid food.
5PM – Drink first litre of Colonlytely
6PM – Drink second litre of Colonlytel
Clear fluids only can be taken until bedtime.

ON THE DAY OF PROCEDURE

On the day of the procedure at 7am – Drink third litre of Colonlytely. Clear fluids only can be taken until 5 hours prior to admission time and then fast completely. Note: Patients who have a long distance to travel on the morning of their procedure should drink the third litre of their preparation at 7pm the evening prior to the procedure.

Please take your regular medications during the fasting period with a sip of water. Do not take diabetic medications. It is recommended you stop taking oral iron supplements 5 days prior to your procedure. No alcohol is to be consumed the day prior to the procedure. Note: If you take the oral contraceptive pill, you must use additional barrier methods until the next period as the pill's absorption is affected by diarrhoea. If you change your appointment please ensure you follow the correct instructions.