alternative to picolax

[dietrich]

Dear Pharmacists

please can you help:
I have to have a colonoscopy next week, but I have an adverse reaction to potassium, as I have a neuromuscular disorder. Is there an alternative that does not contain potassium that does the same thing that I can ask for?

many thanks
Dietrich

[dizzyb23]

Did you mention this to the consultant that booked your procedure? This sort of thing is usually in the patient's notes and can then be taken into account when sorting out requirements for procedure preps.....

[dietrich]

thank you for responding

Yes I did and its in my notes. But i did not realise what the procedure involves - also concerned about sedation- and the gastroenterologist is now on leave. I tried to talk to the endoscopist but he did not think that there should be a reaction, which I know there will be, especially on an empty stomach. If I knew an alternative prepration without potassium I would ask for it.

dietrich

[dizzyb23]

The way things used to work a couple of years ago was the consultant decided on the procedure and the endoscopy unit then sent the cleansing requirements to the Pharmacy dept in the hospital who then sent out the sachets and instructions to the patient. I'm assuming this does not happen anymore. Speak to the Community Pharmacist you use most and tell them the issues and see what they can do to assist as they will know your drug/health history to some extent. As for sedation, they usually use a very mild one and give you the choice of if you want it or not. Have you had a colonoscopy before??

[dietrich]

Hi DizzyB

many thanks for your reply
I don't have a community pharmacist but there are plenty Boots around. No I never had this procedure, or any operation or anything invasive. I thought they needed to get you sedated to be able to work unimpededly? If I have a choice I will not be sedated.

dietrich

[johnep]

Have an idea that Laxoberol is Sodium picosulphate. If sedation needed, will normally use midazolam which leaves you awake and able to co operate, but you will remember nothing about the procedure afterwards. I was given it for a gastroscopy.
johnep

[dietrich]

Dear Johnep

thank you for this. I am looking it up

dietrich

[dizzyb23]

Won't go into specific details but a colonoscopy is simple and nothing to worry about. If you have the sedation, they'll keep you in the hospital for a couple of hours after the procedure just to monitor you. They'll talk you through what's going to happen and give you the chance to ask questions. It's doesn't last long and you get to have a cup of tea and some biscuits afterwards!!!! But do speak to a Pharmacist about the Picolax issue.

[bobbin]

Dear Pharmacists

please can you help:
I have to have a colonoscopy next week, but I have an adverse reaction to potassium, as I have a neuromuscular disorder. Is there an alternative that does not contain potassium that does the same thing that I can ask for?

many thanks
Dietrich

Yes, not all bowel cleansing products contain potassium. You could ask about Citramag oral powder (a magnesium-based laxative). Citramag is sometimes given in combination with a 'stimulant laxative' such as senna or sodium picosulfate because this makes it more effective.

Whether or not you are sedated should be your decision. Colonoscopy can be uncomfortable however so it's worth thinking about it carefully. Most people get sedation + analgesia.