Standard Colonoscopy Bowel Prep - Golytely, Colyte, Nulytely or Gavilyte-G - Instructions

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Melati

Provides step-by-step instructions for preparing for a standard colonoscopy using polyethylene glycol laxatives (Golytely, Colyte, Nulytely, or Gavilyte-G). Outlines what to obtain, when to start and stop medications, including holding iron-containing supplements and anti-platelet and diabetes/weight loss medicines, and key diet restrictions. Includes hydration and low-fiber diet guidance for days before the exam, with clear liquid requirements the day before, emphasizing no red or purple items and avoiding seeds, nuts, and corn.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Getting ready

7 days before the exam

Medicines

Diet

3 days before exam

Hydration

Low-fiber diet guidelines

1 day before the exam

Clear liquid diet

Bowel Prep

Page 1 of 5 Standard Colonoscopy Bowel Prep Golytely, Colyte, Nulytely or Gavilyte-G Please read instructions carefully at least 7 days before your colonoscopy. The inside of your colon must be clean for the exam. If you don't follow the steps below exactly and completely, we may need to cancel your exam. Getting ready • You will need: ☐ 4 bisacodyl (Dulcolax) laxative tablets, 5 mg each (available from a drug store without a prescription) ☐ 1 container of polyethylene glycol laxative (brand name may be Golytely, Colyte, Nulytely, or Gavilyte-G) – We will send your pharmacy a prescription about 2 weeks before your scheduled exam. Pick this up right away, as it can go out of stock. • You may want to check with your insurance to be sure the exam and prescription will be covered. • You will need a responsible adult to drive you (or ride with you on public transportation) and stay with you for at least 24 hours afterward. – Your colonoscopy cannot be done unless you have a ride home. You cannot drive yourself. • A nurse will call you to go over your appointment details, health history, how to get ready, and any questions. Not completing the nurse call could result in us having to cancel your appointment. 7 days before the exam Medicines • Stop taking these 7 days before your exam: – Any fiber supplements (Metamucil, Benefiber, psyllium husk powder, Fibercon, bran, or others) – Any medicines or multi-vitamins that contain iron (ferrous sulfate) . • If you take any of these medicines, ask the prescribing provider what to do before the exam.(The nurse will also discuss these with you during your call.) – Anti-platelet medicines (“blood thinners”), such as coumadin (Warfarin), Plavix, Xarelto, Eliquis, Lovenox, or others. – Diabetes and weight loss medicines, like insulin and GLP-1 agonists (Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic) . – Prescribed NSAIDs (Sulindac, Celebrex, Mobic, Relafen, or others) . Diet • Stop eating corn, nuts, and foods with seeds 7 days before the exam. These can stay in the colon for days and clog the colonoscope. For informational purposes only. Not to replace the advice of your health care provider. Copyright © 2024 Fairview Health Services. All rights reserved. Clinically reviewed by Endoscopy. SMARTworks 522244 – 11/24 . Page 2 of 5 3 days before exam • It is important to stay hydrated. Drink at least eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water throughout the day (no red or purple drinks) . – Tip: Gatorade can help your body hold onto key minerals. • Start a low-fiber diet (no more than 15 grams of fiber per day) . Low-fiber diet guidelines • NO nuts. • NO seeds (sunflower, chia, sesame seeds, bread that contains seeds) • NO corn in any form (corn on the cob, canned, corn bread, corn tortillas) • NO vegetables or fruits that are: – Raw, steamed, or dried (like raisins, prunes, or prune juice) – With seeds (berries, watermelon, cucumbers) – With skin (potatoes) – No pulp (fresh, canned, or juiced) – No bread with fruit in it, jam, marmalade, preserves, horseradish, relish, or olives. • NO whole grain or whole wheat products with more than 2 grams of fiber per serving. Avoid brown or wild rice, quinoa, kasha, buckwheat, oatmeal, whole wheat tortillas. • NO tough, fibrous meats with gristle; cooked dried beans, peas or lentils; crunchy peanut butter • NO Olestra (a fat substitute) What can I eat on a low-fiber diet? • Vegetables: Only without seeds and either cooked until tender or canned. Examples: carrots, asparagus tips, green beans, wax beans, spinach, vegetable broth • Grains and starches: Must have less than 2 grams of fiber per serving, such as: – White bread, rolls, biscuits, croissants, waffles, pancakes, French toast – Plain crackers, saltines, Melba toast – Cooked Cream of Wheat (farina) – Flour tortillas, noodles, pasta, macaroni – White rice (cooked rice, puffed rice cereal, Cream of Rice, Special K) – Cooked

FAQs

What medications and supplements must be stopped 7 days before the colonoscopy?

Stop fiber supplements and medicines or multi-vitamins containing iron. Also stop anti-platelet medicines and diabetes or weight loss medicines such as insulin and GLP-1 agonists, unless your prescribing provider instructs otherwise.

What diet changes are required 7 days and 3 days before the exam?

Stop eating corn, nuts, and seed-containing foods 7 days before. Starting 3 days before, follow a low-fiber diet with specific “no” items such as nuts, seeds, corn, raw/seeded/pulp-containing fruits and vegetables, and high-fiber whole grain products.

What can you drink during the day-before clear liquid diet?

Only clear liquids that are pulp-free and no red or purple, such as water, tea, coffee (no milk/cream), soda and Gatorade (not red/purple), Jell-O/popsicles/sorbet (no milk or fruit pieces), clear broth, bouillon, and clear pulp-free juices like white grape or apple.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Melati