Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that involves a deep examination of the colon through an endoscopic apparatus. Before the procedure, the patient must prepare his body in a certain way - to clear the intestines of the contents. The list of drugs recommended for use before colonoscopy is listed in the article - the patient can choose the drug that suits him in terms of properties and cost. Of course, before this, you should consult your doctor, as the individual reaction to a particular drug may be different.
What is colonoscopy and why is it prescribed
Colonoscopy is a research method with a special apparatus - a colonoscope, which is inserted into the rectum and further through the intestine. It is generally accepted that the method allows you to examine the walls and lumen of the colon. However, this is not so, with the help of colonoscopy, several goals can be achieved:
- get a snapshot of the intestine of interest;
- take biomaterial for subsequent biopsy;
- to conduct a video recording of the study, in which all pathologies will be visible (this will allow you to consult with several specialists, showing each of them video material).
Colonoscopy is usually prescribed to patients in the presence of the following diseases and pathologies:
- suspected presence of a tumor - colonoscopy reveals tumors and polyps that are not visible with irrigoscopy;
- suspected Crohn's disease;
- chronic constipation;
- intestinal obstruction of various etiologies;
- inflammatory processes in the colon;
- suspected ulcerative colitis;
- intestinal bleeding;
- suspicion of foreign bodies in the intestinal cavity.
The following conditions and diseases are a contraindication to colonoscopy:
- colds during an exacerbation;
- suspected cirrhotic disease;
- respiratory or heart failure;
- severe ischemic colitis;
- suspected peritonitis;
- poor blood coagulability;
- psychopathology;
- hangover state;
- massive bowel damage due to ulcerative colitis;
- myocardial infarction or stroke (the procedure is allowed to be carried out only after 6 months at the time of myocardial infarction or stroke).
For children 10-12 years old, with suspected severe pathological processes in the intestine with a risk of internal bleeding, a colonoscopy is performed under general anesthesia.
Before the procedure, the patient must prepare. A few days before the event, you should stop drinking alcohol, reduce the number of cigarettes smoked or stop smoking altogether. What you can eat when preparing for a colonoscopy is listed at the end of the article. The purpose of preparation for the examination is to maximally cleanse the intestinal cavity from feces. For this purpose, the doctor will advise the medicine before the colonoscopy. Most often prescribed Fortrans, it allows for a short period of time to cleanse the intestinal cavity as much as possible. However, sometimes the patient does not tolerate this drug. In this case, you will need to take another medicine.
Before a colonoscopy, you should not worry and be nervous. The examination, of course, is quite intimate, because during its course a flexible tube with a special apparatus is inserted into the anal opening of the patient, which is inserted deep into the intestines. However, if you relax and take the right posture, then there will be minimal pain. But after the examination, it will be possible to accurately state the presence or absence of a particular diagnosis, as well as prescribe a treatment that will most likely bring relief to the patient.
Intestinal cleansing methods before colonoscopy
The main task of the preparatory period three days before the study is to properly cleanse the colon from slag deposits, feces, gases, possible blood clots and mucus.
Some patients are extremely negative about taking any medication. Such people try to conceal from the doctor the fact that they began to take a laxative. Patients use other methods of bowel cleansing:
- reception of tea from senna, the leaves of this plant have long been famous for their laxative effect;
- enema with a solution of herbs or plain water;
- candles with glycerin, which also have a laxative effect.
Indeed, all these remedies are good for cleansing the intestines at home. But there is one caveat. They are not able to replace bowel pills before colonoscopy. The fact is that the procedure requires the disposal of the deepest sections of the intestine from fecal deposits. A special tea or enema is not able to cope with this task.
A laxative for bowel cleansing before a colonoscopy should have the following properties:
- in a short time, soften stool;
- as quickly as possible to promote their removal from the body;
- have minimal toxicity;
- have as few contraindications and side effects as possible.
If the patient tries to cheat and does not accept the tablets prescribed by the doctor, the result of the colonoscopy will be unsatisfactory. Fecal masses partially cover the mucous membrane, therefore - it will be difficult to conclude about its true condition. In addition, feces will prevent the passage of the apparatus into the intestines. In order not to cause difficulties, it is necessary to comply with all the rules prescribed by the doctor and take the drug in the amount prescribed by the doctor.
What drugs are used before colonoscopy?
Medicines with a laxative effect differ in principle of action. Each of them, depending on a particular active substance, has a list of possible side effects and contraindications. If you decide to choose a particular drug, be sure to call your doctor and make sure that taking this medicine before a colonoscopy is possible. Some drugs act slowly, while the intestines are partially emptied - such a result for the procedure will not be enough.
So, the names of bowel cleansers before colonoscopy:
- Fortrans
- "Moviprep";
- Lavacol
- Fleet
- Dufalac.
These are the most effective laxatives, the intake of which provokes a quick and almost complete bowel movement. This allows you to carry out the procedure as efficiently as possible.
"Fortrans": instructions, indications, patient reviews
The main active ingredient is macrogol 4000. Also included are potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium saccharin. The drug belongs to the pharmacological class of laxatives with an osmotic effect. Release form - powder, packaged in bags, intended for the preparation of a suspension. Since the composition of the drug includes electrolytes, when taken there is no violation of the water-salt balance in the body, according to the instructions for use for Fortrans.
Before colonoscopy, the contents of one sachet should be diluted in water and drunk. After three hours (preferably before bedtime), repeat the manipulation with a new bag. In the morning, bowel cleansing will occur (some patients report that the urge to empty begins already at night). After that, you can go to the procedure. The patient should also not forget about proper nutrition before colonoscopy.
Instructions for use with Fortrans reports that the drug has the following indications for use:
- colon cleansing before x-ray, endoscopy, colonoscopy;
- bowel preparation for surgery;
- preparation for irrigoscopy.
Possible side effects: bloating, nausea, vomiting, in rare cases, allergic reactions.
Patient reviews report that Fortrans is generally well tolerated. Most often, there is such a side effect as flatulence (bloating). This reaction is quite predictable, since the effect of the drug is to increase the contents of the intestine. In different patients, the effect of taking the drug is observed at different times. Sometimes bowel movement is observed literally in the first hour after taking the second dose, in the majority - five to six hours after taking the second dose. The maximum time period is ten hours.
"Moviprep": instructions, contraindications and reviews about the drug
The main active ingredient is macrogol 3350. The concentration of the active substance is slightly lower than in the Fortrans. In some cases, its action is not enough. For this reason, doctors usually prescribe "Fortrans" to patients before colonoscopy.
Instructions for use with Moviprep reports that the product has the following indications for use:
- colon cleansing before x-ray, colonoscopy;
- constipation caused by malnutrition;
- the need for emergency emptying;
- bowel preparation for surgery;
- preparation for irrigoscopy.
The drug should be taken the night before before a colonoscopy. Instructions for use with Moviprep reports that the following contraindications exist:
- hypersensitivity to any of the components of the drug;
- toxic megacolon, a complication of severe inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis;
- perforation or risk of perforation of the digestive tract;
- gastroparesis;
- intestinal obstruction;
- phenylketonuria;
- glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency;
- age to 18 years.
If the patient is in an unconscious or insane state, then you can not use the drug. Patient reviews report that the effect after taking Moviprep is observed on average five hours later. However, depending on the individual characteristics of the body, it may occur a little earlier or later.
Description of the drug "Lavacol". Patient reviews about him
"Lavacol" before colonoscopy is prescribed relatively rarely. The main active ingredient is a macrogol, just like Fortrans. However, this drug is less common in pharmacies, so it’s easier for doctors to prescribe Fortrans, which is always available.
The drug is indicated as a laxative to cleanse the intestines before endoscopy, irrigoscopy, x-ray, colonoscopy. The principle of action is the same as with all other drugs with a macrogol in the composition.
Reviews of patients who took Lavacol are positive. The drug does not cause side effects, in rare cases, patients noted only bloating after taking the second dose. Bowel movement occurs approximately five to six hours after the first dose and three to four hours after the second.
"Flit" for colon cleansing before colonoscopy
"Fleet" is a laxative that promotes water retention in the intestines, which leads to liquefaction and softening of stool and easier bowel movements. It has a purely local effect, the metabolites of the drug do not enter the bloodstream, as is the case with most laxatives of the latest drugs. Colon cleansing before colonoscopy with the Flit preparation is possible, however, doctors prescribe it relatively rarely.
"Fleet" has a number of contraindications for use, it can not be used in the presence of the following diseases:
- pain in the abdomen of any nature;
- with impaired renal function;
- ascites and cirrhotic disease are also contraindications;
- suspected intestinal obstruction;
- any pathological process accompanied by vomiting;
- acute infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
There are relatively few reviews of bowel cleansing "Fleet" before a colonoscopy. Since it is not the first choice drug in this procedure. However, patients noted that no side effects were observed. Flit is well tolerated and causes bowel movements about five hours after administration.
"Dufalac": instructions for use, indications and reviews of the drug
The main active ingredient of the drug is lactulose. Release form - syrup and powder for suspension. The medication has a hyperosmotic effect, and also significantly stimulates intestinal motility.
Indications for use "Dufalac":
- to cleanse the intestines before colonoscopy;
- to empty the organ before x-ray, surgical interventions;
- chronic constipation.
Before using the drug, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications and, if there is at least one, refuse to use "Dufalac":
- lactulose intolerance;
- galactosemia;
- colostomy and ileostomy;
- intestinal obstruction of various etiologies;
- suspected inflammation of the appendix;
- diabetes.
Patient reviews about Dufalac are positive. The drug almost does not cause side effects, in rare cases, patients complain of bloating. Intestinal emptying occurs on average six to seven hours after taking the first dose of the drug.
Should I use Senada before colonoscopy?
"Senade" is a popular laxative, the pressed leaves of the senna plant act as the main component. This tool could be called the most popular laxative among buyers, but it should not be taken before a colonoscopy.
The fact is that the action of Senada is quite delayed - bowel movement can occur both after 8 and 12 hours after taking the pill. Such an unpredictable result is not suitable for preparing for the study. After all, the hour of the procedure may come, and the intestinal cavity may still not be sufficiently cleaned. For this reason, preparations with hay in the composition are almost never used in preparation for colonoscopy.
What can I eat before the procedure?
This issue should also be addressed. According to experts, in three days should begin preparations for the survey. It is necessary to completely abandon the use of alcoholic beverages, sweet soda, reduce the use of black tea and coffee. It is recommended that the patient drink as much clean water as possible.
Three days before the colonoscopy, you should refuse to eat the following foods and dishes:
- fatty meat, barbecue, canned and smoked meat;
- fresh bakery products (if there is no way to refuse completely, then reduce consumption to a minimum);
- sweets, especially those with a high fat content;
- grapes, persimmons;
- sauerkraut and stewed cabbage;
- cauliflower and broccoli.
Any dishes and products that individually provoke bloating and constipation in a person should be excluded. On the contrary, you need to enrich your diet with those products that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the intestine and improve peristalsis.