Getting ready for a colonoscopy? Here's how to use SUTAB!

When your doctor told you that you needed to have a colonoscopy, he also gave you some medicine to clean your intestines (bowel prep), right? You may have received a pill called SUTAB. When you see these instructions, some people feel a little scared, "Will I be able to do these things properly?" But there is no reason to worry. In this article, we will talk very simply about how to use these SUTAB pills correctly and successfully prepare for a colonoscopy.

Why is Bowel Prep so important?

Imagine driving your car with a very dirty windshield. Can you see the road clearly? No, right? There is a high chance of accidents. Similarly, if there is feces stuck inside your colon, the doctor cannot see clearly inside.

One of the main purposes of a colonoscopy is to check for polyps, small growths on the inside of the colon, and cancer cells. If the colon is not properly cleaned, even small objects like these can get caught in the stool and get lost. If that happens, the entire procedure won't be as effective. You may need to have the procedure done again at some point.

What is SUTAB?

Simply put, SUTAB is a pill that cleanses your large intestine. It contains salts called sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride. When you take these pills, these salts draw water from your body into your intestines. The intestines are then filled with water, the stool becomes loose, and it is washed out very quickly and completely. This is the simplest process that occurs in this.

The SUTAB package usually contains two bottles of pills and a cup with a measuring cup for drinking water. There are 12 pills in one bottle. You have to take these pills in two divided doses.

The most important things to prepare for before the test

The most important thing is the instructions your doctor gives you, but there are a few general things to keep in mind.

• Follow the instructions exactly: Follow the instructions in the leaflet you receive exactly as they are written. Do not change the times or the food and drink instructions.
• Stop eating solid foods: You cannot eat any solid foods the day before the test. You are only allowed to drink clear liquids. We will talk about this in more detail in a moment.
• Get your medication early: Get your SUTAB medication from the pharmacy at least five days before the test and keep it at home. Don't wait until the last minute.

Special awareness about transportation

This is something that many people forget, but it's extremely important . A colonoscopy involves sedation, or simply put, making you a little drunk and sleepy. So:

• You must have a responsible adult (driver) with you when you come for the test.
• That person must remain in the hospital from the time you are admitted until the examination is completed and you are discharged from the ward.
• After the test , you cannot drive a vehicle on your own for any reason. That means you should not ride a car, bike, scooter, or even a bicycle. You should avoid driving that day.
• You won't be allowed to go home alone. So you definitely need someone to take you home.

Talk to your doctor about the medication you are taking!

This is also very important. Some medications you take daily may need to be stopped for a few days before this test or the dosage may need to be changed. You should definitely talk to your doctor about this.

Medications such as aspirin, antibiotics, or diuretics are usually allowed to be taken with a sip of water the morning of the test. However, it is safest to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Step-by-step preparation: Let's see what needs to be done now

Three days before the colonoscopy

You need to be careful about the food you eat from now on. Stop eating foods that are high in fiber . Because these take longer to digest, they can stay in the intestines.

List of foods to stop eating:

• Popcorn
• Beans, Nuts
• Grains (like flax, sunflower, quinoa)
• Multigrain bread
• Salads and raw vegetables
• Fresh and dried fruits

The day before the colonoscopy

This day is the most important day.

You can drink these clear liquids up to three hours before the test begins. After that, you should stop drinking water.

What is a 'clear liquid'? Simple. If you can see through the liquid to the other side of the glass, it's a clear liquid. Avoid red, orange, or purple colored drinks because those pigments can settle in the intestines and look like blood.

How to take SUTAB pills correctly

Now let's see how to take the medicine. The times may vary on the instructions you receive, but this is the general method.

First dose: Around 6:00 PM the day before the test

1. Step 1: Fill the cup you received with cold water to the line marked on it (about 16 ounces).

2. Step 2: Open the first medicine bottle. Swallow the 12 pills one by one, with a sip of water. If you have difficulty swallowing all at once, swallow them little by little.

3. Step 3: Once you have finished taking all 12 pills, drink all of the remaining water in the cup.

Next steps:

• After an hour: Fill the same cup with water (16 ounces) again and drink it within 30 minutes.
• Half an hour later: Finish with another cup of water (16 ounces).

Second dose: 6 hours before the test begins

• Now all you have to do is take the second bottle of medicine and repeat steps 1, 2, and 3 above. Take the 12 pills in exactly the same way, and then drink two cups of water at the appointed time.

You will need to go to the bathroom shortly after taking this medicine. This is normal. The stool will be loose and your bowels will start to clear. So make sure you have easy access to the bathroom during this time.

Do you also have these questions (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What should I do if I have constipation?

If you are a person who is usually constipated, tell your doctor in advance. He or she may advise you to take a different laxative for a few days before starting SUTAB.

2. My bowel prep was not successful last time. What should I do?

Be sure to tell your doctor about this as well. He or she will give you special instructions or a different medication.

3. I have a hard time drinking large amounts of water at once.

If so, start taking your medication two or three hours earlier. That way, you can take more time to drink water.

4. I have had bariatric surgery. Do I need to take all of these medications?

Yes. Gastric bypass surgery changes the stomach or small intestine. The length of the colon does not change. So you need to take the full dose of medication. But you will need more time to take the medication.

5. I am on dialysis.

You should talk to your nephrologist and get special advice from him before scheduling your test.

6. What happens if I can't finish all the medication?

If you don't take the full dose, your bowels won't be properly cleansed. If that happens, the test will have to be canceled and repeated on another day. So try your best to take the full dose.

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