Dr. Vadim Iablokov Gastroenterologist
Patient instructions
GoLytely Prep
Use these instructions if the office told you to use GoLytely or Colyte for your colonoscopy.
Before you start
- Bring your health card and medication list.
- Do not eat solid food until after your procedure unless these instructions say otherwise.
- If you take blood thinners, follow the specific stop date given by the office.
- If you have diabetes, follow the medication instructions given by the office.
- Call the office if anything is unclear.
What to buy
- GoLytely or Colyte kit — no prescription needed
- Dulcolax tablets — 30 mg total
The day before
- Drink clear fluids only. Do not eat solid food.
- At 3:00 p.m., take the Dulcolax tablets.
- At 6:00 p.m., begin drinking 2 litres of GoLytely solution.
- Drink 1 cup every 10 minutes until 2 litres are finished.
- You may have plain ice cream before 8:00 p.m. Do not add toppings or mix-ins.
The day of your procedure
- Take your usual medications no later than 2 hours before your appointment with a small sip of water unless you were told not to take diabetic pills or blood thinners.
- Complete the second 2-litre dose of GoLytely 5 hours before your appointment.
- Drink 1 cup every 10 minutes until the dose is finished.
Driver and sedation
You will receive sedation. You will not be fully asleep. You must have someone drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after the procedure.