Comprehensive Guide to Gavilyte Bowel Prep for Colonoscopy

A Comprehensive Guide to Gavilyte Bowel Prep for Colonoscopy

Undergoing a colonoscopy is an important preventative procedure that screens for colorectal cancer and other intestinal issues. But the bowel prep process can be challenging and uncomfortable.

Gavilyte is one of the most commonly prescribed colonoscopy preps. This article provides a complete overview of Gavilyte, including how it works, tips for managing side effects, and what to expect before, during and after your colonoscopy prep.

What is Gavilyte?

Gavilyte is an oral solution used to cleanse the bowel in preparation for medical procedures like a colonoscopy. It contains polyethylene glycol 3350, sodium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride.

Gavilyte works by pulling water into the bowel to induce diarrhea and clear out the colon. This allows the doctor to see the intestinal walls clearly during the colonoscopy procedure.

There are a few different versions of Gavilyte. The standard is a 4 liter jug that requires drinking the entire contents. There is also a lower volume 2 liter dose called Gavilyte-H Kit. Split dosing prep options are also available.

Why is Bowel Prep Important?

Bowel prep cleanses the colon so the gastroenterologist can thoroughly visualize the intestinal lining during colonoscopy. Any remaining stool or debris could block their view and obscure polyps or other abnormalities.

A successful colonoscopy requires excellent visibility. Following your prep instructions properly ensures your colon will be empty and ready for the procedure. This allows the doctor to screen for cancer, polyps, colitis and other conditions.

What to Expect When Taking Gavilyte

Expect to spend considerable time on the toilet after drinking your Gavilyte prep. The laxative solution causes rapid elimination to flush the bowels.

Most people experience diarrhea within 1-2 hours of their first drink. You’ll need to remain near a bathroom during the process. Cramping and bloating are common as the solution takes effect.

The polyethylene glycol electrolyte mix has a salty taste. Many describe it as salty water or seawater. You may want to drink the prep chilled with a straw to improve palatability.

Plan to spend most of your prep day at home near a toilet. Stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids between doses. Adverse effects usually resolve within 1-2 hours of finishing the last drink.

Tips to Manage Gavilyte Side Effects

While tolerable for most people, Gavilyte can cause unpleasant side effects like:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Bloating and gas
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Irritation around the rectum or anus

Here are some tips to help cope with potential Gavilyte prep side effects:

• Drink each dose slowly over 1-2 hours as tolerated.
• Suck on lemon slices or hard candy to reduce salty taste.
• Apply petroleum jelly or diaper rash cream around the anus to reduce irritation.
• Place witch hazel pads in the freezer to soothe painful hemorrhoids after BM.
• Use soothing wipes instead of toilet paper to prevent a sore bottom.
• Take slow walks to help move the solution through the colon.
• Try simethicone or Gas-X to relieve bloating or gas pains.

Call your doctor if side effects become severe or you cannot finish the prep. Stop immediately if you experience alarming symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of an allergic reaction.

What You Can and Cannot Eat/Drink with Gavilyte

In the days before your colonoscopy prep, stick to low fiber foods to ease the clearing out process. Avoid:

• Whole grains and cereals
• Fruits and vegetables with skins, seeds or shells
• Dried fruits and prunes
• Beans, lentils and legumes
• Nuts, seeds and popcorn

During the Gavilyte prep, you must adhere to a clear liquid diet. Approved clear liquids include:

• Water
• Clear broth or bouillon
• Juices without pulp like apple, white grape, lemonade
• Plain jello or gelatin
• Popsicles without fruit or cream
• Coffee or tea without milk/creamer
• Gatorade or other sports drinks
• Soda
• Clear hard candy

Avoid any red, blue or purple colored liquids as they can look like blood during your colonoscopy. Stay well hydrated by drinking extra clear fluids leading up to your prep.

How to Take Gavilyte Prep Solution

Be sure to follow your doctor’s specific dosing instructions for Gavilyte prep. Instructions typically look like:

Evening before colonoscopy:

1. Eat a light dinner of clear soup and/or yogurt before start time.
2. At 6 pm, start drinking one 8oz glass of Gavilyte solution every 10-15 minutes until you’ve consumed half the jug (64 oz).
3. Drink plenty of additional clear fluids like water, clear juice or electrolyte beverages.

Morning of colonoscopy:

1. About 5 hours before your appointment time, start drinking the second 64 oz of Gavilyte solution over the next 2-3 hours.
2. Drink 8 oz every 10-15 minutes until finished. Continue replenishing with clear liquids.
3. You must finish at least 2 hours before your colonoscopy.
4. Stop drinking liquids 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time.

Having a buddy system or doing a split prep with laxatives the evening before can make the large volume Gavilyte jug more manageable. Just follow your provider’s instructions.

What to Expect After Finishing Gavilyte Prep

Stay near a toilet for the duration after completing your last Gavilyte dose. The powerful laxative effect continues working to clear any remaining stool.

Most people find the diarrhea and associated discomfort improves within 1-2 hours of the final drink. You should start passing clear yellow liquid indicating your colon is cleansed.

Continue drinking clear fluids up until 2 hours pre-procedure to stay hydrated. Your colonoscopy will go smoothly after a successful Gavilyte prep.

Effects like bloating, nausea or fatigue usually resolve quickly after prep completion. Report any severe or lingering side effects to your doctor.

Can You Eat After Taking Gavilyte?

No, you cannot eat any solid foods after starting the Gavilyte prep. You must stick to clear liquids only until after your procedure.

Most colonoscopies are scheduled for early morning. You will need to have an empty stomach for the colonoscopy. This requires no eating for at least 8-12 hours beforehand.

After the colonoscopy, you can resume your normal diet unless otherwise instructed. Start with gentle foods like broth, toast or yogurt to give your colon time to recover.

Gavilyte Split Dosing Prep

Split dosing splits your Gavilyte prep into an evening dose before the colonoscopy, followed by a second dose the next morning. This lightens the liquid volume you have to drink at once.

Split prep timing may look like:

Two days before colonoscopy:

1. Start clear liquid diet
2. No solid foods

One day before colonoscopy:

1. Light breakfast of clear liquids
2. No solid foods rest of the day
3. At 5:00 pm take 4 bisacodyl or dulcolax tablets
4. At 6:00 pm drink one 8oz glass of Gavilyte solution every 15 minutes until you finish the 2 liter bottle (64 oz total)

Day of colonoscopy:

1. Starting 5 hours before your appointment time, drink one 8oz glass of Gavilyte solution every 10-15 minutes until you've finished the remaining 2 liters (64 oz)
2. You must finish at least 2 hours before your colonoscopy
3. Continue consuming clear liquids until 2 hours pre-procedure

Always follow your specific prescribed split dosing instructions. Stay well hydrated throughout the prep process.

Getting Ready for Your Gavilyte Colonoscopy Prep

Proper planning and preparation can help your Gavilyte prep go more smoothly. Here are some tips:

Prep Your Bathroom

Gather supplies like:

• Soft toilet paper or disposable wipes
• Soothing creams for your bottom
• Entertainment like books, magazines or tablet
• Petroleum jelly to coat your rectum before first bowel movement

Stock Up on Clear Liquids

Shop for:

• Water, Gatorade, clear sodas
• Clear juices like apple, lemonade, grape
• Broths and bouillon
• Plain jello and popsicles
• Tea, coffee, hot chocolate (no milk)

Plan for Comfort and Rest

Ahead of time:

• Pick out loose, comfy clothes to wear the day before and day of prep
• Choose a bathroom-friendly room to rest in during prep
• Clear your schedule - no big plans or errands

Set Reminders to Stay on Track

Use timers/alerts for:

• Starting and finishing each dose
• Drinking 8 oz cups every 10-15 minutes
• Remaining time until colonoscopy
• When to stop eating and stop drinking liquids

Ask for Help from Family or Friends

Have a buddy:

• Keep you company during the prep
• Remind you to drink each cup
• Provide support reading, talking or watching movies
• Drive you to and from your colonoscopy appointment

What Happens After Your Colonoscopy with Gavilyte Prep?

Immediately After the Procedure

You'll be groggy from the sedation but can usually leave the colonoscopy clinic within 1-2 hours after the procedure finishes.

You'll need someone to drive you home safely after you recover from the anesthesia. Many people feel fine resuming normal activity, but take it easy if you feel dizzy or tired.

Follow-Up After the Colonoscopy

Within a few days, the doctor will follow up with your colonoscopy results, biopsy reports if any polyps were removed, and recommendations going forward.

If polyps were found, the provider may want to perform colonoscopies more frequently to monitor for new growths.

You may feel some abdominal discomfort and bloating for a day or so after the colonoscopy prep. Drink fluids and eat gentle foods until your body recovers.

Next Steps if Abnormalities Were Found

If the gastroenterologist detects any inflammation, polyps, bleeding or other issues, they may recommend:

• A repeat colonoscopy sooner than normal
• Medications or supplements to resolve conditions like colitis
• Surgery to remove precancerous polyps or early-stage cancers
• Further testing like MRI or CT scan if colonoscopy results are inconclusive

Talk to your doctor about what follow-up is needed based on your specific colonoscopy findings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gavilyte Bowel Prep

How does Gavilyte prep for colonoscopy work?

Gavilyte contains polyethylene glycol to pull water into your colon, causing diarrhea that cleanses the bowels prior to your colonoscopy. This empties the intestines so the doctor can see the lining clearly.

How long does Gavilyte take to work?

You'll start having urgent, watery bowel movements typically within 1-2 hours of your first drink. The laxative effect continues working until you pass clear yellow fluid indicating a clean colon.

What are some tips to handle Gavilyte side effects?

Drink each dose slowly, suck on hard candy to mask the saltiness, apply creams and gels to soothe your bottom, take walks to move things along, and use Gas-X for bloating. Stay near a bathroom after drinking.

Can I drink anything besides Gavilyte liquid?

Yes, you can and should drink plenty of approved clear liquids before, during and after taking Gavilyte solution. This helps prevent dehydration and flush the bowels.

What happens after finishing Gavilyte prep?

Stay near the bathroom for 1-2 hours until diarrhea resolves. You'll pass clear yellow fluid when your colon is empty. Continue clear liquids until 2 hours before your colonoscopy then stop drinking.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.