Picolax – Extended Bowel Preparation (Three or Four Sachets) for Morning Appointment

This information is for a morning appointment. 

You will need to follow a five day ‘low residue diet’.  A list of ‘allowed foods’ can be found below. Please use this list for all your meals before a colonoscopy. 

Please note: Nuts and seeds should be avoided for at least five days as they can block the scope which could lead to your procedure being abandoned. 

You will also be required to consume ‘clear fluids’ only.  A list of can be found below. 

Please note: We encourage you to drink ‘extra clear fluids’ during this period to reduce the risk of you becoming unwell due to dehydration. 

Two days before colonoscopy

Please have a low residue breakfast to finish prior to 8am. Please drink extra volumes of clear fluids. 

If having four sachets, please take first sachet at 9am – made as per instructions below. Please drink extra volumes of clear fluids.

Please have a small low residue lunch between 12pm and 1pm. Please drink extra volumes of clear fluids. 

Please have second sachet) at 5pm – make as per instructions. This will be your first dose if only having three sachets. Please drink extra volumes of clear fluids. 

Please have your last small low residue dinner between 6pm and 8pm. Please drink extra volumes of clear fluids. 

You are no longer allowed to consume ‘solid’ food until after your colonoscopy.   

Making up your Picolax

Mix contents of one sachet of Sodium Picosulphate (Picolax) with approximately 150ml of cold water. Stir for two to three minutes and then drink the solution. If the solution becomes hot, then allow it to cool before drinking. 

One day before colonoscopy

Please have third sachet at 9am – make as per instructions provided. Please drink extra volumes of clear fluids for hydration purposes 

Please have fourth sachet at 5pm – make as per instructions provided. Please drink extra volumes of clear fluids 

Please note: If prescribed four sachets, you do not need to take the fourth dose if your bowel motions are straw coloured and watery.    

Day of procedure 

Please drink clear fluids only. 

Low residue / low fibre foods you are allowed

• White meat, skinless chicken, grilled or poached fish 
• White bread, rice, pasta, boiled or mashed potatoes 
• Cheese, eggs, tofu, butter/margarine 
• Ice cream, custard 
• Shredless marmalade or jam 
• Clear soups/meat extract drinks e.g. Bovril. 

High fibre foods which should be avoided

• Red meat, sausages, pies 
• Wholemeal pasta, brown rice, wholemeal bread 
• Vegetables, fruit or salad 
• Potato skins or chips 
• Cakes, biscuits, puddings containing fruit or nuts, yoghurts 
• Nuts, seeds and pulses including baked beans.                                 

Please note: nuts and seeds should be avoided as they can block up the procedure equipment which could lead to your procedure being abandoned.      

Clear fluids

• Water 
• Diluted cordials- not Blackcurrant 
• Herbal teas 
• Black tea, black coffee 
• Clear soups/meat extracts drinks eg. Bovril 
• Clear fruit juice (without pulp) 
• Fizzy drinks including Lucozade but not Cola/Blackcurrant flavoured /coloured. 

Hints and tips 

• You may drink the preparation through a straw – it may be more palatable
• You may add a light-coloured cordial to it to alter the flavour if desired. 

Contact numbers

Endoscopy Advice Line 01305 253152 

About this leaflet

Author: Suzie Batten, Clinical Endoscopist 
Written: May 2025  
Approved: May 2025 
Review date: May 2028
Edition: 3 

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk