Are you scheduled to have a medical test that looks inside your intestines, such as a colonoscopy? If so, you will need to completely cleanse your intestines before the test. For this, the doctor will give you a special liquid to drink. Many people are a little afraid of taking this medicine and think it is uncomfortable. But if you do it correctly, you can face the test without any problems. Today, we will talk about how to use this medicine exactly, what to be careful about, and what not to be afraid of.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine cleanses and purifies your colon completely. Strictly speaking, it is a medicine that belongs to the category of laxatives (`(Laxative)`).
This is how it works:
1. Water absorption: When this medicine enters the intestines, it draws water from the surrounding tissues into the intestines.
2. Stool softening: Due to the water that is added in this way, the stool in the intestines becomes very liquid and soft.
3. Aids in evacuation: When the amount of fluid in the intestines increases, it creates pressure. This pressure stimulates the muscles in the intestines, making it easier to push out whatever is inside.
Imagine, what happens if the doctor puts a camera inside the colon and sees feces left behind? You can't see anything clearly, right? Small things like polyps can be missed. That's why it's essential to completely clean the colon before this test.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This medicine is not suitable for everyone. If you have any health conditions, you should definitely inform your doctor about them. Failure to do so may cause unwanted problems. Be especially careful with the things in the table below.
| Health condition or opportunity | Why is it important? (brief explanation) |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | If the kidneys are not working properly, the salts in this medicine may not be properly removed from the body, which can cause problems. |
| Heart disease or heart rhythm disorders | Changes in fluid and salt levels in the body can affect heart function. |
| If you are dehydrated | This medicine causes more fluid to be removed from the body, which can make the condition more serious if you are already dehydrated. |
| Imbalances in blood electrolyte levels | If things like sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium in the blood are low or high, this medicine can make it worse. |
| Gout | Dehydration can cause gout to flare up. |
| Epilepsy or seizures (Seizures) | Changes in body salt levels can increase the risk of seizures. |
| Other stomach or intestinal problems | If you have conditions such as intestinal obstruction, using this medicine may be dangerous. |
| Trouble swallowing | There is a risk of the medicine getting into the lungs if swallowed. |
| Being pregnant or trying to conceive, breastfeeding | In such cases, it is very important to seek medical advice before taking any medication. |
| Allergies to this medicine or anything else | If you have had a previous allergy, it is essential to tell the doctor. |
How do you use this medicine correctly?
It is important to do this correctly. Even a small mistake can affect the results of the test.
Step-by-step instructions
1. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully: Read the instructions your doctor gives you carefully. It will clearly state when to start taking the medicine, and the interval between doses if you are taking two doses. Do not skip the prescribed dose or stop taking it early for any reason.
2. Special diet: You will be asked to follow a special diet the day before the test. You will usually only be allowed to drink clear liquids such as water, light tea, unsweetened jelly, salt water, and soda. Do not drink milk, fruit juice with chunks, or red, blue, or purple colored drinks. These colors can settle in your intestines and be mistaken for blood during the test.
3. Mixing and drinking the medicine: This medicine usually comes in a bottle. You just have to put it in the cup provided, add the correct amount of water to it, and mix it. Then, you have to drink it at the prescribed time.
4. Drinking water is essential: This is something that many people forget, but it is very important. After taking your dose of medicine, it is very important to drink plenty of water according to the instructions given to you. This is because this will remove a lot of fluid from your body. It is important to drink water to prevent dehydration. You can drink clear liquids up to 2 hours before the test.
5. If you are taking other medications: If you are taking other medications (e.g. for diabetes, high blood pressure), leave at least an hour between taking those medications and taking this stomach cleanser. Some medications may require a longer interval. It is best to talk to your doctor about this and get specific advice.
What side effects should I expect?
It is normal to experience some discomfort when taking this medicine. However, it is important to know the difference between serious symptoms and normal symptoms.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Symptoms that are common and not to be feared | |
| Bloating/fullness | This is normal as the intestines fill with water. After a while, this will subside as the intestines empty. |
| Nausea/stomach discomfort | This can be caused by the taste and action of the medicine. This can be controlled by taking the medicine slowly and getting some rest. |
| Serious symptoms that require immediate notification to the doctor or referral to the ETU | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of severe dehydration | Extreme thirst, dry mouth, sunken eyes, feeling light-headed, feeling dizzy, decreased urination or dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Rapid or irregular heartbeat | Abnormal feeling of chest tightness. |
| Symptoms of kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Seizures | A sudden seizure. |
| Severe stomach pain or bleeding | Sudden onset of severe stomach pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, or blood in the stool. |
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If for any reason you think you have taken more medicine than you thought, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about all other illnesses you have and all medications you are taking.
- Follow the doctor's instructions (time of taking the medicine, diet) exactly. If you are unable to complete the prescribed regimen, inform the doctor.
- Drink plenty of clear fluids (especially water) during and after taking the medicine to prevent dehydration.
- Bloating and nausea are normal. However, if you experience severe stomach pain, allergic symptoms, or fainting, seek medical attention immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others. Throw away any remaining medicine after the test.
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