Oral medications taken within 1 hr of start may not be properly absorbed.
Concurrent use of other laxatives may ↑ risk of mucosal ulcerations.
May ↑ risk of digoxin toxicity in the presence of electrolyte abnormalities.
Route/Dosage⬆⬇
PO (Adults ): One 6–oz bottle during evening before colonoscopy, repeated during the morning prior to the colonoscopy (10–12 hr after evening dose). Additional clear liquids are required after each dose.
PO (Children ≥12 yr): One 4.5–oz bottle during evening before colonoscopy, repeated during the morning prior to the colonoscopy (10–12 hr after evening dose). Additional clear liquids are required after each dose.
Availability⬆⬇
(Generic available)
Oral solution (for adults)lemon: 17.5 g sodium sulfate/3.13 g potassium sulfate/1.6 g magnesium sulfate/6 oz.
Oral solution (for children 12 yr)lemon: 13.13 g sodium sulfate/2.35 g potassium sulfate/1.2 g magnesium sulfate/4.5 oz
Assessment⬆⬇
Assess for significant vomiting and signs of dehydration after administration of prep kit.
Lab Test Considerations:
Monitor electrolytes, serum creatinine, and BUN if signs of dehydration occur.
Implementation⬆⬇
PO: Dilute each of two 6-ounce doses for adults and two 4.5-ounce doses for pediatric patients of solution with an additional 16 ounces of water. 3 quarts (approximately 2.8 L) taken orally prior to the colonoscopy is required for colon cleansing. Day prior to colonoscopy: Eat a light breakfast or only clear liquids. Avoid red and purple liquids, milk, and alcoholic beverages. Early in evening prior to colonoscopy: pour contents of one bottle into mixing container provided. Fill the container to 16-ounce fill line, or for pediatric patients to the 12-ounce fill line, with cool drinking water; drink the entire amount. Drink 2 additional containers filled to 16-ounce or 12-ounce line with water over next hr. Day of colonoscopy: Have only clear liquids until after colonoscopy. Avoid red and purple liquids, milk, and alcoholic beverages. Morning of colonoscopy (10 to 12 hr after the evening dose): pour contents of second bottle into mixing container provided. Fill to 16-ounce fill line, or the 12-ounce fill line for pediatric patients with water, and drink entire amount. Drink two additional containers filled to 16-ounce line with water over next hr. Complete all Bowel Prep Kit and required water at least 2 hrs prior to colonoscopy.
Patient/Family Teaching⬆⬇
Instruct patient in correct technique for preparing and taking prep kit. Solution must be diluted as directed; ingestion of undiluted solution may increase risk of nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.
Advise patient to hydrate adequately before, during, and after prep. Advise patient to expect watery diarrhea after ingesting prep kit.
Inform patients to avoid taking other oral medications within 1 hr of each dose of prep kit; they may not be absorbed.
Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
Instruct patient to avoid taking other laxatives while taking prep kit.
Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breast feeding.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes⬆⬇
Watery diarrhea and cleansing of colon prior to colonoscopy.