Pesach Faqs

Q. To prepare for my colonoscopy scheduled for Chol HaMoed Pesach, my doctor said I should drink a special solution. Are those drinks kosher for Pesac?h

A. It appears that the primary solutions used to flush the patient's colon 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. In recent years, another option has become available - sodium phosphate tablets (e.g. Osmo-Prep, Visicol). As with all other inedible tablets which are swallowed (as opposed to chewed), these tables may be used on Pesach regardless of which ingredients they contain.

If someone is unable to drink the unflavored solution, and their doctor recommends that they not use the tablets, they should consult their Rabbi and doctor as to whether they may take the flavored solution and/or reschedule the procedure for before or after Pesach