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Can Lactulose Be Taken To Regularize Bowel Movements Before A Colonoscopy?

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Posted on Fri, 10 Feb 2017
Question: My colonoscopy is 1/24. Last attempt was cance!!edbecz I didn'tclear for another 12 hours. I use lactalose BID, which is afreat help with IBSC. When should I stop the lactulose? And is rice low enough in fibre to eat up to clear liquids?

Medications Tried:
La tulose then Miralax plus Dulcolax tabs. Last try cancelled becz I didn'tclear for 9 more hours.

Medical History
LIFELONG History of IBSCtoo

Current Medications
Far too many to list.

Known Allergies
Depakote, Lamictal, Robaxin,Vit C tablets, paper tape.

I am due to have a colonoscopy 1/24. I had to cancel at the lasr month becz I didn't clear for 12 ore hours. Can I co nti ue to use Lactulose that I take BID for IBSC? And is rice too high in fibre?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution to be taken a night before colonos

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Have read all your details.
I appreciate your concern.

You can ask you gastro enterologist to prescribe you Polyethelene Glycol.Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution is used to empty the colon (large intestine, bowel) before a colonoscopy. PEG-ES is in a class of medications called osmotic laxatives. It works by causing watery diarrhea so that -the stool can be emptied from the colon. The medication also contains electrolytes to prevent dehydration and other serious side effects that may be caused by fluid loss as the colon is emptied.Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES) comes as a powder to mix with water and take by mouth.It is usually taken the evening before colonoscopy is to be done(Consult your Gastroenterologist for details).You have to drink one 8 ounce of PEG-ES every 10 or 15 minutes, and to continue drinking until your liquid bowel movements are clear and free of solid material.Lactulose is not meant for colonoscopy however you can continue taking lactulose for your routine bowels.As per your history last time also you were given Miralex by your doctor,But it din't cleared you.I would like to mention that it will be effective only when taken as adviced and all precautions are followed.
You may not eat any solid foods or drink even milk before and during your treatment with PEG-ES.You should only drink clear liquids. Clear liquids are liquids that can be seen through such as water, light colored fruit juice without pulp, clear broth, coffee or tea without milk, flavored gelatin, popsicles, and soft drinks.Rice should not be taken atleast 12 hours prior to treatment with PEG.
As per your question Rice is a low fibre food,But any thing solid should not be taken 12 hours before it.
As you were given Miralex last time also please specify if there were no bowels even after following every thing as written above or these instruction were not followed or given.

Thanks!



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (2 days later)
The instructions were followed precisely. I had to cancel becz I still had significant diarrhea that did not clear for another 12 hours!!! I also was very wobbly that morning, typical sign of dehydration for me, which occurs easily. Yes, I was diligent in keeping up with fluids. I am diabetic, but I take no meds. I should probably have had some hard candy that's not blue, red or purple. My prep packet just now arrived in the mail, and I will read, and re-read, to make sure I don't miss anything. Thank you for your time and expertise!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Your welcome and best wishes!
Thanks!
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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Can Lactulose Be Taken To Regularize Bowel Movements Before A Colonoscopy?

Brief Answer: Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution to be taken a night before colonos Detailed Answer: Hi, Have read all your details. I appreciate your concern. You can ask you gastro enterologist to prescribe you Polyethelene Glycol.Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution is used to empty the colon (large intestine, bowel) before a colonoscopy. PEG-ES is in a class of medications called osmotic laxatives. It works by causing watery diarrhea so that -the stool can be emptied from the colon. The medication also contains electrolytes to prevent dehydration and other serious side effects that may be caused by fluid loss as the colon is emptied.Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ES) comes as a powder to mix with water and take by mouth.It is usually taken the evening before colonoscopy is to be done(Consult your Gastroenterologist for details).You have to drink one 8 ounce of PEG-ES every 10 or 15 minutes, and to continue drinking until your liquid bowel movements are clear and free of solid material.Lactulose is not meant for colonoscopy however you can continue taking lactulose for your routine bowels.As per your history last time also you were given Miralex by your doctor,But it din't cleared you.I would like to mention that it will be effective only when taken as adviced and all precautions are followed. You may not eat any solid foods or drink even milk before and during your treatment with PEG-ES.You should only drink clear liquids. Clear liquids are liquids that can be seen through such as water, light colored fruit juice without pulp, clear broth, coffee or tea without milk, flavored gelatin, popsicles, and soft drinks.Rice should not be taken atleast 12 hours prior to treatment with PEG. As per your question Rice is a low fibre food,But any thing solid should not be taken 12 hours before it. As you were given Miralex last time also please specify if there were no bowels even after following every thing as written above or these instruction were not followed or given. Thanks!