2-3 days before a colonoscopy, it is necessary to exclude from the diet foods rich in fiber vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes, cabbage, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, etc.) in any form, both fresh and cooked, and also fruits and berries, jam, compotes, milk, black bread, legumes, mushrooms. It is necessary to exclude millet and pearl barley porridge from cereals. It is allowed to eat boiled meat, fish, and poultry; you can have cheese, cottage cheese, broths without vegetables, tea, coffee, crackers, porridge without milk. If you suffer from constipation, you need to take the laxatives you usually use every day. You can even slightly increase their dose.
On the eve of the study (24 hours before the procedure), it is recommended to adhere to a strict “liquid” diet, which excludes the consumption of any other foods other than “light liquids”. The concept of "light liquid"
includes water, solids-free soups, pulpless fruit juices, tea and coffee, clear carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks.
If you suffer from constipation, it is recommended to start taking the laxatives you usually use 2 days before the test. You can even slightly increase their dose.
Brief description of drugs
To analyze and choose the right laxative, you must first understand what each remedy is. It is worth noting that they all belong to the same group, are very similar in composition, and therefore have the same contraindications and side effects.
Fortrans
A well-tested, high-quality medicine that has been used successfully for a long time. It has a fast and powerful effect, but does not lead to severe diarrhea. The intestines are cleansed in 3-4 bowel movements. The components do not enter the bloodstream, eliminating the impact on the body.
The effect is achieved due to macrogol, which holds water molecules together. The fluid does not flow freely, but collects in the large intestine. There is a dissolution of feces and pressure on the walls, and as a result, productive bowel movements.
The medicine is available in powders. A solution is made from them. For every 20 kg of patient weight, 1 sachet of Fortrans and a liter of water are needed. Drink slowly over 4-6 hours, 250 ml every 15 minutes. An adult needs about 3-4 liters of solution.
Patients do not like the terrible taste of the drug, which combines saltiness, sweetness and bitterness at the same time. To relieve discomfort, you can use a slice of citrus fruit. Some people find it convenient to drink the solution through a straw.
Brief summary:
- Large volume;
- Unpleasant taste;
- First there is nausea;
- Towards the end there is weakness;
- Irritates mucous membranes;
- The effect is already by the end of the first hour;
- Good result;
- Quick and gentle cleansing.
Attention! There are other analogues of Fortrans for colonoscopy, such as Endofalk, Picoprep, Fleet Phospho-soda.
Lavacol
In fact, this is a complete analogue of Fortrans with the same composition and action. But the effect of taking it is different. Experienced patients say that the taste of Lavacol is much more pleasant. Release form: powder in sachets, each for 4-5 kg of body weight and a glass of water. As a result, you need to drink 15-20 diluted sachets in a volume of 3-4 liters if you weigh 60-80 kg.
Taken in the same way. But experts recommend starting preparation earlier, at about 16:00 the day before. Because Lavacol has a longer effect and longer bowel movements.
The cleansing result is good. Brief summary:
- An impressive amount of medicine;
- Similar, but more tolerable taste than Fortrans;
- Begins to act after at least 2 hours;
- May make you feel nauseous;
- Prolonged diarrhea;
- Irritates mucous membranes;
- Good cleansing results.
Moviprep
A new laxative with almost the same composition, based on macrogol. As a bonus, there is a lemon-ginger flavor that eliminates the discomfort when taking it.
The peculiarity of the drug is that you need less liquid. Therefore, the finished solution is only 2 liters for any weight and height. However, it is recommended to supplement the medication with other liquids from 1 liter.
According to statistics and informal research from medical practitioners, Moviprep is superior to Fortrans in terms of bowel cleansing and often receives the highest score on the Boston scale.
Brief summary:
- The volume is 25-50% less than that of Fortrans and Lavacol;
- Pleasant taste;
- Effect after 1.5-3 hours;
- Sharp and causeless vomiting occurs;
- Defecation continues until the intestines are completely empty;
- Has less negative impact on the mucous membrane;
- Great results.
Attention! Among the reviews of Moviprep for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy, there are much more positive reviews than other products.
Adverse reactions
The drug is well tolerated and rarely provokes undesirable effects, but in some cases the following adverse reactions were observed:
- nausea, vomiting;
- flatulence, headaches;
- weakness, dizziness;
- itching, redness of the skin, rash;
- labored breathing.
The latter symptoms are a sign of an allergic reaction. In case of intolerance, further use of the drug is contraindicated. To eliminate symptoms, it is recommended to take activated carbon or another enterosorbent. To prepare, you need to consult a doctor so that he can recommend another drug.
Contraindications to drugs based on macrogol
Lavacol, Fortrans and Moviprep have almost the same list of restrictions:
- Allergy to components;
- Dehydration of the body;
- Intestinal obstruction;
- Abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea;
- Violation of the integrity of the walls of the digestive tract;
- Toxic megacolon;
- Gastroparesis;
- Phenylketonuria;
- Childhood. Fortrans up to 15, and Moviprep and Lavacol up to 18;
- Glucose hydrogenase deficiency (for Moviprep);
- Heart failure (for Lavacol).
It is also worth noting the fact that the difference in contraindications is most likely related to what kind of research the creators conducted. Because in principle these drugs are almost the same. Also, only Fortrans does not affect the ability to drive a car or other machinery.
What side effects may occur from Fleet Phospho-soda?
Such phenomena are characteristic of all osmotic drugs. We will list them from the most frequent to the rare:
- Nausea;
- Weakness;
- Dizziness;
- Bloating;
- Vomit;
- Stomach ache;
- Prolonged diarrhea;
- Rarely, significant loss of electrolytes, dehydration;
- In individual cases, allergies.
Special instructions for use of Fleet Phospho-soda
We have already said that preparation with laxatives for elderly patients should be carried out only under the supervision of doctors. This also applies to people with various health problems - disruption of the heart, kidneys, chronic gastrointestinal pathologies.
Particular attention should be paid to what medications you are taking. Some of them, in combination with Fleet Phospho-soda, can cause an imbalance of electrolytes. These are diuretics, lithium, calcium channel blockers and others.
Some medications necessary to maintain a therapeutic effect over a long period of time will become useless after taking Fleet, as they will not be absorbed at all. For some patients this can be dangerous; it is worth informing your doctor about such prescriptions in advance. If there are no contraindications to Fleet and colonoscopy, then the drug can be used during bowel cleansing in the form of injections.
Side effects include dizziness and weakness, which means a slight effect on the central nervous system. Therefore, after consuming Flit Phosphosoda, it is not recommended to drive or go to work that involves operating machinery.
Cost of drugs in pharmacies
The price of Fortrans for a package with 4 sachets, which is enough for a patient weighing up to 80 kg, ranges from 480 to 550 rubles.
Lavacol is much cheaper - 160-230 rubles. There are 15 bags in a pack, suitable for a person weighing up to 60 kg.
Moviprep is the most expensive pleasure. The cost is around 600-800 rubles. for a standard amount for colonoscopy preparation.
Many pharmacies sell intestinal cleansing powders in one sachet, which will allow you to avoid overpaying and purchase the required volume.
What can you eat when preparing for a colonoscopy with Flit?
It is important to eat a light diet meal before preparing. When using Fleet soda, all food is recommended for use in liquid and ground form to speed up digestive processes.
The diet should include the following products:
- low-fat broths (with crackers);
- slimy porridge;
- steam cutlets;
- Boiled cereals.
The diet should include vegetable oil or butter to facilitate bowel movements.
Attention ! It is unacceptable to eat any raw vegetables and fruits, canned food, pickles, flour and confectionery products. All these products cause fermentation, constipation, and flatulence.
Patient reviews
Fortrans is mainly criticized for its disgusting taste, which some could not bear and canceled the preparation. Based on the results, there are almost no complaints about the drug. Many people experience persistent nausea.
Some also call Lavacol disgusting, but most consider it absolutely normal in taste in comparison with Fortrans. The urge does not begin for a long time, so a person has to put up with a stomach full of fluid for hours. When the effect is achieved, defecation continues almost until the morning. Both doctors and patients are satisfied with the results.
Moviprep is highly praised for its taste and high-quality cleansing. However, the effect takes longer than from Fortrans. Complaints about the cost being too high. Some had their preparations disrupted due to severe sudden vomiting.
Colon cleansing medications before colonoscopy only work after a 3-day diet. Even the most powerful remedy is not able to prepare the intestines in a hurry. Those who suffer from chronic constipation need to maintain a special diet for 5 or even 7 days, and additionally drink mild laxatives based on lactulose or plant extracts.
Dosage regimen for Flit
Dosage regimen for Flit
It is quite simple and will not cause any inconvenience to the patient. You should prepare as follows:
- Take the drug the day before the test.
- In total, you need to take two doses of the drug, 45 ml each: one after breakfast, and the second after dinner. Before taking, the dose is dissolved in half a glass of cool water.
- If the colonoscopy procedure is not scheduled for early morning, then it is permissible to take another dose of Fleet immediately after breakfast on the day of the examination. In this case, liquids are allowed to be drunk only before 8 am.
Indications
- Temporary relief of constipation. These medications do not treat the cause of stool retention/cessation, but they help improve well-being and cleanse the intestines;
- Preparation for fibrocolonoscopy and irrigoscopy.
- Fibercolonoscopy – examination of the walls and taking pieces of the mucous membrane (at the request of the attending physician) of the colon through a fibrocolonoscope device. Externally, it looks like a flexible tube; at one end there is a light source, an exit hole for a surgical loop (for collecting mucous membrane for research) and a camera.
- Irrigoscopy is an x-ray of the abdominal cavity after taking an x-ray contrast agent (often barium salt).
Comparison of Fortrans and Lavacol
They have the same active ingredient. It provides a laxative effect to the same extent.
Compound similarities
The composition of the powders is identical.
Differences
Difference between these medicines:
- Taste. Lavacol has a salty taste (reminiscent of mineral water). Fortrans has the same taste, but after 2 glasses taken, vomiting appears. It goes away after drinking lemon or orange juice.
- A packet of Fortrans contains a larger amount of macrogol and salts. But the concentration of the solution is the same, because the amount of water required to obtain the finished medicinal drink is different.
- Lavacol takes about 2 hours to take effect, and Fortrans takes an hour or more.
- One package of Fortrans is designed for 1 liter of water, and Lavacol - for 200 ml.
Price
The price of a package of Fortrans (4 sachets) is 280-420 rubles, Lavacol (15 pcs.) is 220 rubles.
Conditions for dispensing from pharmacies
These medications are available without a doctor's prescription.
Side effects
Adverse reactions are often limited to abdominal discomfort and mild nausea. However, you may also experience:
- Bloating;
- Vomit;
- Fecal incontinence;
- Imbalance of beneficial electrolytes: sodium, calcium, potassium, which is manifested by a decrease in blood pressure, errors in heart function, and weakness;
- Allergies can manifest themselves as: swelling of the face and neck, rash, itching of the skin. Shock (a sharp drop in pressure in the bloodstream) was observed extremely rarely - in 1 patient per 15-20 thousand.
When several medications are used simultaneously, Lavacol and Fortrans neutralize their effects. These laxatives temporarily interfere with the absorption of fluids, microelements, other drugs, and vitamins. Therefore, it is necessary to take other tablets or drinking medicinal solutions no earlier than 2 hours after using Lavacol and Fortrans.
Fleet or Fortrans - which is better?
With the advent of medicinal methods of cleansing the intestines, there was no longer a need for painful and unpleasant enemas. The ease of use of the product is due to the possibility of preparation at home, as well as the simplicity of therapeutic cleansing.
When choosing a drug, doctors are guided by various criteria, often choosing between Flit or Fortrans. What is better and what should you take before a colonoscopy?
Use of the drug Fortrans
The main advantage of Fortrans is its constant exit from the body without absorption into the systemic circulation. The main component is Macrogol-4000, a polymer substance that binds water molecules and retains fluid in the intestines. Thanks to this ability, the volume of fluid in the intestines increases, causing the urge to have frequent bowel movements.
Among the disadvantages of the drug are the following::
- drink a large amount of water along with the drug;
- vomiting and nausea;
- many side effects and contraindications;
- high price.
Many patients say they are unable to drink the drug because of its unpleasant taste. In almost 80% of all patients, the drug caused a persistent nausea reflex. Find out how to drink Fortrans before a colonoscopy to avoid nausea here.
