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Suggest Allergy Free Medication To Take Before A Virtual Colonoscopy

Posted on Wed, 25 Nov 2015

Question: Hi,

I am scheduled for a virtual colonoscopy and have a kit to take beforehand. It includes Dulcolax tabs, polyethylene glycol 3350 and a barium sulfate creamy vanilla smoothie. I don't take chemicals but prefer herbals. I am allergic to preservatives and am on a special fruit and veggie diet. Do you think I should take this?

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You can use alternates but gut emptying is a must

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic!

Based on yiur dietary habits, your concerns are right but gut emptying is a must before colonoscopy, to have a clear view of intestines. Herbal supplements or natural extracts used to empty intestine may take some time for adequate emptying needed for the procedure.

However most of the medicines you have mentioned are organic extracts and apart from dulcolax and barium but that too is mixed with organic laxatives. It is least likely to be responsible for any allergic reactions which are your primary reason to refrain from medicinal products. Alternate options include castor oil, olive oil or liquid paraffin to be taken on large amounts orally and will act as laxatives, but natural laxatives can act too slow and may not induce adequate emptying.

Hoping you a healthy outcome and successful procedure. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask else kindly close the discussion. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (9 hours later)

Thanks for your reply doctor. I have teas such as Laci Le Beau's Super Dieter's tea with 2 g senna in one serving and organic Smooth move tea with 1080 mg. in one serving. This produces bowel movement in 6-12 hrs. Do you think I might call the Imaging dept. and ask if these are good alternatives?

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
These are not scientifically proven for there outcomes

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Thanks for sharing the details. These all herbs and natural extracts are not scientifically tested or proven with researches, and data for their exact outcome is unknown. These are mostly experience based therapies with suitability and exact side effects not known with proper research and analysis. In such circumstances when you are being undergone a procedure like that, I urge you not to risk it with experimentation. I would suggest you that using those drugs which have been prescribed to you earlier on, are much better and their dosage, effectiveness and safety indices have been trialed and tested so you should prefer those.

Hoping you a safe and healthy procedure with good outcomes. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask else kindly close the discussion. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (25 hours later)

Hi Doctor Ulabiden,

I talked to my family doctor also and he is in agreement that taking the polyethylene glycol should be fine. I asked the Imaging people about it and they said that the formula had been modified and made less symptomatic 6-7 yrs. ago. So it shouldn't be a problem to anyone now. Thanks for helping me sort through this. I am starting the protocol. xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Closing remarks

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Thanks for sharing the details and keeping me apprised. Wishing you good health and conclusive procedure ahead. You are always welcome for any query directly through my profile.

Regards

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad