Gastroenterology - A guide for diet and oral Picolax preparation for a colonoscopy

Please read and follow these instructions carefully.

Preparing for a colonoscopy

For your test to be successful you must follow these instructions.

Medication

Please take your usual medication but avoid iron preparation and any other constipating drugs for 1 week prior to the test.

A special diet should be followed for 3 days prior to your colonoscopy. This ensures that your bowel is empty for the procedure.

Picolax Preparation

Picolax is a very strong laxative which, in addition to the diet, ensures that your bowel is prepared for the colonoscopy.

Please note that Picolax causes diarrhoea.

Day One: - 3 days before your colonoscopy

Please eat a low residue diet today, choose from the foods below:

• Rice Krispies with skimmed milk
• Eggs
• Boiled potatoes
• White rice
• Clear strained soups Fish, grilled or poached (not fried)
• Chicken, grilled, roast or boiled (not fried)
• Jelly
• No vegetables with your meals

Day Two: - 2 days before your colonoscopy

From today you must only have a clear liquid diet. Please choose from the fluids listed below:

• Clear strained soups
• Oxo, Bovril, Marmite drinks
• Fruit juices (strained, if containing particles) NOT tomato
• Bottled flavoured waters
• Fruit cordial (NOT red- or purple-coloured juices)
• Lucozade and fizzy drinks
• Jelly
• Tea and coffee with skimmed milk

Day Three: - Day before your colonoscopy

Continue your fluid only diet. To prevent you becoming dehydrated it is important that you drink at least 4 pints of fluid today:
8.00 am - Dissolve the powder contained in one sachet of Picolax with a little cold water.

CAUTION - This fluid may become hot. Wait until it cools, dilute with cold water to make one glass and drink.

4.30pm - Dissolve and mix the contents of the second sachet of Picolax as before, and drink.

Picolax causes diarrhoea - stay within easy reach of a toilet after taking it!

REMEMBER - DO NOT EAT ANY SOLID FOOD

The day of your examination

If you are only having a colonoscopy, you may keep drinking clear liquids up until your appointment time to satisfy your thirst.

REMEMBER - DO NOT EAT ANY SOLID FOOD

If you have any further questions, please contact the nurse co-ordinator on 0161 206 5959.