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A colonoscopy can find and remove growths before they become cancerous. Colonoscopy is an endoscopic examination which involves the investigation of the colon with the aid of a colonoscope. This medical device is just like a small fibre optic camera that is connected with a bendable tube that is enough to pass through the anus. This provides a visual on the inside of the colon which helps the doctor to examine and diagnose the patient; likewise gives an opportunity for the doctor to perform biopsy and removal of cancer-cells from the patient. Colonoscopy is also an examination that requires the use of a couple of drugs or medications that contributes for cleaning the abnormalities of the colon and likewise to sedate the patient while in the process. These medications include the following. STIMULANT LAXATIVESThe cleaning of colon is basically considered as a critical procedure in colonoscopy. Due to this fact, it is most recommended to have an in take of a laxative a day before the operation to clean out the stool from the colon. Patients are advised that stimulant laxatives may cause loose stools frequently. POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL SOLUTIONBased on the National Institute of Health, a patient who's going to undergo colonoscopy should take a polyethylene glycol electrolyte a night before the treatment is done for this medication helps in cleaning the bowel before the treatment. Side effects of this medication may include such as feeling to vomit and nausea, diarrhoea, bloating, rectal irritation, and stomach cramps. VISICOLThis medication is a saline laxative that is also used for cleaning the bowel earlier the colonoscopy process. Patients who are allergic to phosphates are not advised to take this medication because it is made of sodium phosphate. The side effects of Visicol are the following: nausea, gas, stomach cramps, vomiting, bloating, and diarrhoea. Ample cautions should be done by taking this medication because this might lead to serious problems of the kidney and thus are dangerous to those patients who have a history of kidney and heat diseases. VERSEDThis medication is a benzodiazepine medication that is taken by patients during the process of colonoscopy. It enables the patients to feel relaxed and furthermore lead to sleep during the treatment. Basically this medication may result amnesia which likely leads the patient not to remember anything about the whole colonoscopy process. Side effects of Versed are the following: drowsiness, anxiety, chest pain, irregular heartbeat and breathing. This medication is the reason why patients are not advised to drive or take any alcoholic drinks 24 hours after the medication is taken. ATROPINEAtropine is a anticholinergic medication given during the colonoscopy treatment for the purpose of drying up the secretions of the stomach. This medication aids in preventing the stomach contents from entering the lungs which likely cause aspiration pneumonia. Side effects may include blurred vision, faster heart rate, less salivation, drowsiness and headache. It is not advisable to have patients take this medicine if they have glaucoma, asthma, and as well as those who have difficulty in urinating. 2011-11-27
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