Peglite bowel prep — step-by-step
Peglite (or Colyte) is the prep prescribed to patients who cannot safely take Pico-Salax — this includes patients with kidney disease, congestive heart failure, liver disease with ascites, pregnancy, or a prior colectomy. It is a higher-volume prep (4 L) but is gentler on the kidneys and heart because it is balanced with electrolytes.
Important safety note
If you are unsure which prep you should be taking, please call our office. Do not switch preps on your own.
Where to get your prep kit
Buy Peglite over the counter at any pharmacy
The Peglite preparation kit is available over the counter at any pharmacy — no prescription is required. Simply ask the pharmacist for it by name.
If you prefer a written prescription (for insurance coverage or workplace reimbursement), please coordinate directly with our office at (613) 728-1795 and we’ll be happy to arrange one.
- 1
Step 1
1 week before — Review your medications
Go over all your medications and supplements with our team. Some may need to be adjusted before your prep.
- Call our office immediately if you take prescription blood thinners (Pradaxa, Eliquis, Xarelto, Coumadin/Warfarin, etc.), Aspirin (ASA), or anti-inflammatories.
- You may continue all other medications, vitamins, and Tylenol as usual.
- If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugars carefully and use clear juice to help control them.
- Tell the hospital team on the day of your procedure if you have a heart condition or need antibiotics before medical procedures (for example after joint replacement).
- 2
Step 2
3 days before — Start the low-residue diet
Switch to gentle, easy-to-digest foods so your colon empties more thoroughly on prep day.
- Avoid: red meat, raw vegetables, seeds and nuts of all kinds, corn, and milk products.
- You can enjoy: eggs (not fried), pasta with cooked vegetables, seedless fruit, non-cream soups, crackers, lean chicken or fish, white bread, white rice, potatoes, plain cookies, Jell-O (not red).
- At bedtime: take 1 Dulcolax laxative (5 mg bisacodyl tablet).
- 3
Step 3
2 days before — Continue the diet
Stay on the same low-residue diet. Take one more Dulcolax tablet at bedtime.
- Same food list as day 3 — no red meat, raw veg, seeds, nuts, corn, or milk products.
- At bedtime: take 1 more Dulcolax laxative (5 mg bisacodyl tablet).
- Stay well hydrated during the day.
- 4
Step 4
1 day before — Clear liquids only
No solid food today. Only clear fluids — this is the most important rule.
- Clear fluids: water, Gatorade or similar electrolyte drink, broth, ginger ale, Jell-O (not red), clear juices, popsicles, tea or coffee.
- Absolutely NO solids are permitted from now until after your procedure.
- Chill the Peglite in the fridge — cold prep is much easier to drink.
- 5
Step 5
Morning appointment — Drink the full 4 L at 5:00 PM (day before)
If your procedure is between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM, drink the entire 4 L of Peglite the evening before.
- At 5:00 PM the day before: prepare the full 4 L of Peglite (or Colyte).
- Drink the full 4 L steadily over about a 2-hour period — roughly one 250 mL glass every 10–15 minutes.
- Sip through a straw and keep the solution cold to make it easier.
- 6
Step 6
Afternoon appointment — First 2 L at 5:00 PM (day before)
For afternoon procedures, split the 4 L into two doses. Start with 2 L in the evening.
- At 5:00 PM the day before: drink 2 L of Peglite (or Colyte).
- Sip steadily over about an hour — the cold solution goes down much easier.
- 7
Step 7
Afternoon appointment — Second 2 L at 6:00 AM (procedure day)
Finish the remaining 2 L in the early morning of your procedure.
- At 6:00 AM on procedure day: drink the remaining 2 L of Peglite.
- You may continue drinking clear fluids right up to hospital arrival.
- 8
Step 8
Procedure day — Arrive and relax
Come to Queensway Carleton Hospital 1 hour before your appointment with a responsible adult driver.
- Bring your OHIP card, an updated list of medications, a bag for belongings, and a small snack and drink for after.
- Sedation is strongly recommended. If sedated, you cannot legally drive for 24 hours and must have someone drive you home — taxi alone is against hospital policy.
- Please do not wear cologne, perfume, or other scents (deodorant is fine).
You'll know your prep is complete when
- Your stool is a clear yellow liquid — like pale tea or lemonade.
- There are no more solid pieces or dark bits.
- You have finished all of the prep as prescribed, not just "most of it".
Call us if you experience
- Uncontrolled vomiting that prevents you from finishing the prep — call our office.
- Severe abdominal pain that does not improve — call our office, or 911 if severe.
- Signs of dehydration (dizziness, no urination, confusion) — sip clear liquids and call us.
(613) 728-1795
Questions? We're here to help.
If anything in this guide is unclear, please call our office — we'd rather answer a question than have you stress about it.