Let's learn exactly about the bowel cleansing kit (Polyethylene Glycol; Electrolytes; Bisacodyl Bowel Prep Kit)

Are you scheduled for a special medical test, like a colonoscopy? If so, your doctor may have told you to do a bowel prep before the test. So you may be wondering exactly how to use the medication provided. Don't worry, we'll keep this simple.

What is this medicine kit? What does it actually do?

Simply put, this is a special medicine that is used to completely empty and cleanse your intestines. During a medical examination, especially a colonoscopy, where a camera is used to examine the intestines, the inside of the intestines needs to be seen clearly. This is what this medicine is used for. These belong to the group of laxatives ( laxatives ).

This medicine kit usually contains three main items:

• Polyethylene Glycol: This works by drawing water into the intestines, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
• Bisacodyl: This comes in pill form. It stimulates the muscles in the intestines and speeds up the passage of stool.
• Electrolytes: This is very important. When you continue to eat, your body's electrolytes can decrease, leading to dehydration. Since this medicine contains electrolytes, it is a great help in maintaining electrolyte balance in the body.

Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Before taking this medicine, it is essential to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to mention the following in particular:

• If you have a chronic disease of the stomach, intestines, or throat.
• If you have any kidney problems .
• If you have a current condition such as stomach upset, bloating, or intestinal obstruction .
• If you have previously had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in this medicine (polyethylene glycol, bisacodyl), another medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant, or are expecting a baby .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

How exactly do I use this medicine?

This is the most important part. It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly . These are the steps to follow in general.

1. Special diet: You will be told to follow a special diet a day or two before the test. You may be told to drink only liquids or avoid certain foods. Follow these instructions carefully.

2. Taking the tablet: Swallow the Bisacodyl tablet in the medicine cabinet whole with a glass of water as directed by your doctor. Never chew, crush, or break this tablet.

3. Prepare the liquid: Mix the powder packet in the box with the amount of water specified on it and mix well. Do not add anything else (e.g. sugar, sweeteners). If you want the taste to be better, you can put the prepared liquid in the fridge and let it cool a little before drinking.

4. Drink the liquid: Start drinking this prepared liquid little by little from the time your doctor tells you to. Usually, you will be told to drink it at regular intervals, like a glass every hour.

5. What to expect: You will need to go to the bathroom for the first time within an hour or a few hours after taking the pill. Once you start drinking the liquid, you will start to have frequent, watery bowel movements. This is what is expected. This is how the intestines are cleansed. So don't worry about it.

What if I accidentally take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Other things to be careful about when taking this medicine

• Other medications: Do not take any other medications by mouth for an hour before starting this stomach-cleansing pill. Talk to your doctor about when you should take your usual blood pressure and diabetes medications, and get advice beforehand.
• Milk and Antacids: Avoid dairy foods such as milk, yogurt, and skim milk one hour before and one hour after taking bisacodyl. Also, avoid antacids used for gastritis. These can damage the protective coating of the tablet and increase stomach discomfort and pain.
• Bloating: You may feel a little bloated when you drink the liquid. If you feel this discomfort, stop drinking the liquid for a while. Or, reduce the amount you drink at a time and drink it over a longer period of time.
• Inhaling the powder: When adding the medicine powder to water, do not inhale the powder dust. This can cause allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing or sneezing.

Possible side effects of the medicine

Like all medications, there is a chance of side effects, most of which are not serious.

Bowel cleansing, bowel prep, colonoscopy, polyethylene glycol, bisacodyl, constipation, laxative