BOWEL PREPARATION FOR COLONOSCOPY
General Information
For an optimal procedure, the bowel needs to be completely emptied before the examination. This is achieved by modifying your diet for 2 days and taking medication for bowel cleansing.
Whole grain products, vegetables and salad, fruits, nuts, or seeds tend to stay longer in the intestinal tract. Therefore, you should avoid consuming these foods two days prior to the examination. The bowel will be completely emptied by means of specific medications for bowel cleansing. The products vary in terms of the amount to drink and taste. The effectiveness varies individually and based on our experience, there is no "best" medication.
| Moviprep® |
Taste: Like an isotonic drink, slightly sweet Amount to drink: 2 liters of medication, 1 liter of water, divided into 2 portions Portion 1: Drink 1 liter of medication with ½ liter of water within 90 minutes Portion 2: Drink 1 liter of medication with ½ liter of water within 90 minutes |
| Clensia® |
Taste: Like an isotonic drink with lemon flavor, slightly salty Amount to drink: 2 liters of medication, 1 liter of water, divided into 2 portions Portion 1: Drink 1 liter of medication with ½ liter of water within 90 minutes Portion 2: Drink 1 liter of medication with ½ liter of water within 90 minutes |
| Plenvu® |
Taste: Portion 1: Like Mango, Portion 2: Like a Fruit Punch Amount to drink: 1 liter of medication, 1 liter of water, divided into 2 portions Portion 1: Drink ½ liter of medication within 30 minutes, then drink ½ liter of water within 30 minutes Portion 2: Drink ½ liter of medication within 30 minutes, then drink ½ liter of water within 30 minutes |
| Picoprep® |
Taste: Like a concentrated isotonic drink Amount to drink: 300 ml of medication, 2 liters of water, divided into 2 portions Portion 1: Drink 150 ml of medication followed by 1.25 liters of water within 90 minutes Portion 2: Drink 150 ml of medication followed by 750 ml of water within 60 minutes |
| Cololyt® |
Taste: Salty Amount to drink: 3 liters of medication Portion 1: Drink 2 liters of medication within 120 minutes Portion 2: Drink 1 liter of medication within 60 minutes |
Tips to improve tolerability and effectiveness of bowel preparation
- Before and during bowel preparation, drink plenty of clear, unsweetened fluids to prevent dehydration. Do not drink anything 3 hours before your appointment.
- Prepare the medication by stirring it well, and drink it chilled, as it may be more tolerable.
- Adding lemon juice to the prepared medication and using a straw while holding your nose may also help.
- If you experience nausea, you may take an appropriate OTC medication such as Motilium® or Paspertin®.
- Engage in light physical activity such as walking around and avoid lying down during and after taking the medication. Movement stimulates bowel activity, resulting in better preparation quality.