How is GoLytely used for colonoscopy prep?

Take GoLytely according to your doctor's directions to cleanse your bowels the day before your colonoscopy, Braintree Laboratories explains. Do not eat any solid foods for three to four hours before taking the solution. Don't use GoLytely if you have a bowel perforation, gastrointestinal obstruction or gastric retention.

Drink one 8-ounce glass of the GoLytely solution every 10 minutes until your stools are clear and do not contain any solid material. You may need to drink more than 3 quarts of GoLytely to get this result, according to Braintree Laboratories. Side effects such as abdominal fullness, nausea and bloating are common, so do not be alarmed if they occur.