Dr. Vadim Iablokov Gastroenterologist
Patient instructions
Pico-Salax Prep
Use these instructions if the office told you to use Pico-Salax 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
- Dulcolax tablets — 30 mg total
- Pico-Salax — no prescription needed
The day before
- Drink clear fluids only. Do not eat solid food.
- At 3:00 p.m., take the Dulcolax tablets.
- At 5:00 p.m., take the first dose of Pico-Salax.
- After the first Pico-Salax dose, drink at least 1.5 litres of clear fluids.
- 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 unless you were told not to take diabetic pills or blood thinners.
- Drink clear fluids only up to 2 hours before your appointment.
- Take the second dose of Pico-Salax 5 to 7 hours before your procedure.
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.