A colonoscopy is a procedure conducted by gastroenterologists in order to diagnose certain colon abnormalities such as colon cancer, colon polyps, bleeding sites, inflammation and ulceration. In order for a colonoscopy to be successful, the colon must be free from fecal matter. Doctors usually prescribe medications known as bowel preps in order to clean the colon. Colon preps work in different ways in order to remove fecal matter from the colon.
Polyethylene Glycol Electrolytes Solution
According to Drugs.com, polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution is used to clean the bowel before surgery and other intestinal procedures. Polyethylene glycol works by drawing large amounts of water into the colon. Examples of polyethylene glycol solution include Golytely, NuLytely and CoLytely. Common side effects of polyethylene glycol solution include bloating, gas, stomach cramping and rectal irritation.
Sodium Biphosphates
According to Drugs.com, sodium biphospahte is a type of saline laxative that is used to clean the bowel before a colonoscopy. Sodium biphosphate works by drawing large amounts of water from the body into the colon that result in frequent watery diarrhea. Sodium biphosphates should not be used in patients with kidney disease and electrolyte imbalance. Common side effects of sodium biphosphate colon preps include bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness and headache.
Stimulant Laxatives
According to Drugs.com, stimulant laxatives such as Dulcolax may be used to remove stool from the colon before a colonoscopy. Stimulant laxatives work by increasing the contraction of muscles in the colon which speeds up excretion of stool from the colon. Common side effects of stimulant laxatives include, stomach cramping, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach irritation.
Stool Softener
Drugs.com states that a stool softener like Colace may be used the day before a colonoscopy in order to aid in the removal of stool from the colon. Stool softeners work by absorbing water from the colon which increases bulk in the stool. Common side effects of stool softeners are stomach cramping, nausea and throat irritation
Sodium Phosphate
According to the National Institutes of Health, sodium phosphate is a type of saline laxative and it used to completely empty the colon before a colonoscopy. Sodium phosphate works pulling water from the body into the colon which results in frequent watery diarrhea. Examples of sodium phosphate bowel preps includes Visicol and OsmoPrep. Common side effects of sodium phosphate include headache, dizziness, decreased increased urination and irregular heartbeat
