From the Research
If you vomit after drinking GoLYTELY (glycolax), you should wait about 30 minutes before resuming the preparation, starting with small sips, as this approach is supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 1. When considering the best course of action after vomiting caused by drinking glycolax, it's essential to prioritize the patient's safety and the effectiveness of the bowel preparation. The study on Principles and Practice of Oral Rehydration 1 provides valuable insights into the management of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can occur after vomiting. Although this study does not directly address the issue of vomiting after glycolax ingestion, its principles can be applied to guide the management of such cases.
Some key points to consider when managing vomiting after glycolax ingestion include:
- Contacting the healthcare provider to inform them about the vomiting and to get specific guidance
- Considering the use of anti-nausea medications like ondansetron (Zofran) to help complete the preparation
- Drinking the solution more slowly, keeping it cold, and using a straw placed far back on the tongue to reduce nausea
- Staying hydrated with clear fluids like water, clear broth, or sports drinks
- Being aware that if vomiting persists or the patient is unable to complete the preparation, the doctor may need to reschedule the procedure or recommend an alternative preparation method.
It's also worth noting that other studies, such as the one on Evaluation of polyethylene glycol plus electrolytes in the treatment of severe constipation and faecal impaction in adults 2, and the review of bowel preparation before colonoscopy 3, provide additional context and options for bowel preparation. However, these studies do not directly address the issue of vomiting after glycolax ingestion and are therefore not as relevant to this specific question. The study on Low-volume hybrid bowel preparation combining saline laxatives with oral contrast agents versus standard polyethylene glycol lavage for colonoscopy 4 also provides interesting insights into alternative bowel preparation methods, but its findings do not directly impact the management of vomiting after glycolax ingestion.
In real-life clinical practice, the priority is to ensure the patient's safety and the effectiveness of the bowel preparation, while also considering the patient's comfort and tolerance of the preparation. By following the recommended approach and considering the patient's individual needs and circumstances, healthcare providers can help minimize the risks associated with vomiting after glycolax ingestion and ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.