Gavilyte Prep Instructions

One day prior to colonoscopy Start on a clear liquid diet ALL DAY (NO SOLID FOODS). NOTE: clear liquids (water, chicken broth, apple juice, white grape juice, white cranberry juice, light colored tea, 7-up, sprite, clear gatorade or yellow jello).

9 am: Take 4 Ducolax (Bisacodyl) tablets 12 noon: Now is a good time to mix your Gavilyte and refrigerate. Mix contents of the Gavilyte (PEG electrolyte solution from Kaiser Permanente) container with drinking water to the top line on container. Lemonade flavored (powder mix) may be added to improve taste.

2 pm - 4 pm: You will drink the solution in two sessions (1/2 gallon in afternoon and 1/2 gallon in evening). Drink HALF of the Gavilyte solution from 2-4pm, about one glass (8 oz) every 10-15 minutes. Bloating and symptoms of nausea are common—you can stop and slow down the preparation if they are severe.

8 pm - 10 pm: Drink the other half of the Gavilyte. Then drink at least 2-4 glasses of clear fluids in addition to this (and up to 2 hours before your appointment)

ALTERNATIVE: Instead of splitting the preparation as above, you can take the Dulcolax as above and then drink the whole gallon over a 4 hour period, from 4-8 pm, 8 ounces every 10-15 min until done. However, be aware this is a large volume to take.