Picolax – Extended Bowel Preparation (Three or Four Sachets) for Afternoon Appointment
This information is for an afternoon 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 small low residue breakfast to finish prior to 8am. Please drink extra volumes of clear fluids.
Please have a small low residue lunch between 12pm and 1.30pm. Please drink extra volumes of clear fluids
Please have the first sachet at 5pm – make as per instructions provided. Please drink extra volumes of clear fluids.
If you have only been given three sachets omit this first dose.
- Please have a 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 the second sachet at 9am – make as per instructions provided. Please drink extra volumes of clear fluids throughout today to maintain good level of hydration.
Please have the third sachet at 5pm – make as per instructions provided. Please drink extra volumes of clear fluids.
Day of procedure
Please drink clear fluids only from this point onwards until two hours prior to your colonoscopy.
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
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