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Why Is Golytely Prescribed Before Colonoscopy?

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Posted on Wed, 29 Apr 2015
Question: taKING GOLYTELY for colonoscopy - taking simply a saline solution would also flush the colon - what is the purpose of the ingredients other than salt? i.e. can I take a salt solution to achieve
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Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Colon cleanse prior to colonoscopy...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concerns.

Prior to colonoscopy, your bowel should be empty and cleansed. That's why your doctor will prescribe Golytely to help cleanse the colon prior to colonoscopy.

It contains the active ingredient called glycol in combination with other oral electrolytes like sodium sulfate/bicarbonate, potassium chloride.

Hope it answered to your query! Let me know if you need further information!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (20 hours later)
Thank you for your reply. I already know this information; what I was wondering was what is the purpose of the ingredients other than sodium chloride (common salt).

I was doing the prep for a colonoscopy and threw up the morning Golytely and thought perhaps I could just use salt water to further cleanse the colon since I've done that in the past during a fast to cleanse but was concerned about what purpose the other ingredients might have thinking perhaps they might lubricate the colon or something important.

I did the colonoscopy (without anesthesia) and it went well - did it without attempting another flush. The colon was clean dispite not having the morning Golytely, perhaps because of my starting a fast, just water, two days before rather than one as directed.

So... all is well but I am curious about the purpose of the other ingredients.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (21 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The purpose of other ingredients explained below...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

Sorry for the late reply due to my engagements in the clinic.

Now, the main ingredient in the Golytely is polyethylene glycol, an osmotic-type laxative. Its action is to hold water in stool, thus, it will get softened and more numbers of bowel movements.

The other components are salt preparation that will promote the passage of fluids through bowel wall to bowel lumen.

Other inactive ingredients include flavoring, etc.

Hope it answered to your queries!
Dr.Albana
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7307 Questions

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Why Is Golytely Prescribed Before Colonoscopy?

Brief Answer: Colon cleanse prior to colonoscopy... Detailed Answer: Hi, I understand your concerns. Prior to colonoscopy, your bowel should be empty and cleansed. That's why your doctor will prescribe Golytely to help cleanse the colon prior to colonoscopy. It contains the active ingredient called glycol in combination with other oral electrolytes like sodium sulfate/bicarbonate, potassium chloride. Hope it answered to your query! Let me know if you need further information! Dr.Albana