FAQs

Q. I’m scheduled for a colonoscopy on Chol HaMoed Pesach, and the doctor said I have to drink some preparatory beverage on the day before.  Is it okay to do that on Pesach?

A. It appears that the primary solutions used to flush the patient’s colon in advance of a colonoscopy are polyethylene glycol-based (e.g., GoLYTELY, NuLYTELY, MiraLAX). The ingredients used in the unflavored versions of these solutions do not pose any Pesach concern and may be consumed on Pesach.  These solutions are also available pre-flavored or with a “flavor pack” that one adds to the solution, and these are not recommended for Pesach.

If someone is unable to drink the unflavored solution, a Rabbi and doctor should be consulted as to whether one may take the flavored solution and/or reschedule the procedure for before or after Pesach.