A colonoscopy is a procedure that enables a gastroenterologist to examine the lining of the colon and rectum for abnormalities such as colon cancer, ulcerations, bleeding and inflammation. The colon must be completely clean for the procedure to be accurate and complete. Several medications known as bowel preps or colon preps are used to remove stool from the colon. Patients should make sure they use colon preps correctly as instructed by the doctor.
Stimulant Laxatives
According to the National Institutes of Health, stimulant laxatives are used to treat constipation and to clean the bowel before a colonoscopy, a barium X-ray and other intestinal procedures. Stimulant laxatives cause muscles of the colon to contract and remove stool rapidly. An example of a stimulant laxative used before a colonoscopy is Bisacodyl. Stimulant laxatives should not be used for a long time because they may cause damage to the colon.
Polyethylene Glycol Solutions
According to the National Institutes of Health, polyethylene glycol solutions are used to clean the bowel before intestinal procedures such as a colonoscopy or barium X-ray. Polyethylene glycol solutions work by drawing large amounts of water into the colon, resulting in watery diarrhea. Examples of polyethylene glycol solutions include GoLYTELY and NuLYTELY. Common side effects of polyethylene glycol solutions include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and rectal irritation. Serious side effects of polyethylene solutions include severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Patients who fail to have a bowel movement two hours after taking polyethylene solutions should consult the doctor. Polyethylene glycol solutions should not be used by patients with abdominal conditions such as fecal impaction and fecal obstruction. Patients with prior histories of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease should consult the doctor before using polyethylene glycol solutions.
Sodium Phosphates
Drugs.com states that, sodium phosphates are saline laxatives used to clean the bowel before a colonoscopy or other intestinal procedures. Examples of sodium phosphates include OsmoPrep and Visicol and Fleet Enema and Fleet Phospho Soda. Sodium phosphates work by drawing large amounts of water into the colon resulting in frequent loose stool. Common side effects of sodium phosphates include dehydration, nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea and rectal irritation. Patients who have intestinal blockage and kidney disease should avoid sodium phosphates as the drugs make these conditions worse. Patients allergic to sodium phosphates should also not use the drugs. Sodium phosphates may be used with caution in patients with heart disease and electrolyte imbalances
