Colonoscopy Preparation Instructions

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. Arrange to have a responsible adult or family member to escort you home after your procedure.

5 DAYS BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE

  • CALL YOUR PRESCRIBING PHYSICIAN WELL IN ADVANCE if you are taking Coumadin (Warfarin), Plavix, Ticlid, Persantine, Aggrenox, and/or Lovenox. Discontinue at least 5 days prior to your procedure
  • AVOID Aspirin, Advil (Ibuprofen), Nuprin, or Aleve. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is acceptable.
  • CONTINUE TAKING OTHER PRESCRIBED MEDICATION: such as your blood pressure, heart, thyroid pills as usual. If you have any questions regarding your medication, please call your prescribing physician.
  • DIABETIC PATIENTS: If you take oral hypoglycemic, do not take it the day of your procedure.
  • PURCHASE BOWEL PREP KIT: Your bowel prep will be called into your pharmacy of choice. The brand of prep will be based on what is covered by your insurance, most common brands used: SUPREP, Go-Lytley, and Nu-Lytley. If your insurance doesn’t cover the prescription for the bowel preparation, call our office immediately.

2 DAYS BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE

  • DO NOT EAT: fruits and vegetables containing seeds, popcorn, nuts or seeds for 2 days prior to your procedure.
  • Discontinue fiber supplements (Metamucil, Citrucel, Benefiber, etc.), but may continue to eat fiber containing foods.
  • If you have a tendency to be constipated or need a laxative, take 2 tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia at 8 PM.

THE DAY BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE

  • You may have a “Light Breakfast” no later than 8 AM (i.e. one egg, toast, or can of Ensure). After this, no solid foods are allowed until after our procedure. Begin a clear liquid diet.
  • CLEAR LIQUID DIET: Avoid red or purple colored drinks. Clear liquids may include water, jello, fruit juices without pulp, Gatorade, powdered lemonade or other fruit drinks, clear broth, coffee or tea without milk or creamer.

TWO OPTIONS FOR TIMING YOUR PREP

If you are scheduled to arrive at the hospital before 9 AM, you may do either PREP 1 (evening before) or PREP 2 (split prep), depending whether you prefer to stay up late or get up very early.

If you are scheduled to arrive at the hospital at 9 AM or later, proceed with PREP 2 (split prep).

PREP 1 – Evening Before

Beginning at 5 PM the evening before your procedure:

  • Pour one (1) 6-ounce bottle of SUPREP liquid into the mixing container.
  • Add cool drinking water up to the marked 16-ounce line on the container and mix.
  • Drink ALL the liquid in the container.
  • You MUST drink two (2) more 16-ounce containers of water over the next 1 hour.

Beginning at 9 PM the evening before your procedure:

  • Pour the second 6-ounce bottle of SUPREP liquid into the mixing container.
  • Add cool drinking water up to the marked 16-ounce line on the container and mix.
  • Drink ALL the liquid in the container.
  • You MUST drink two (2) more 16-ounce containers of water over the next 1 hour.

You may continue clear liquids until 2 hours before your procedure

*PREP 2 – Split Dose*

Beginning at 6 PM the evening before your procedure:

  • Pour one (1) 6-ounce bottle of SUPREP liquid into the mixing container.
  • Add cool drinking water up to the marked 16-ounce line on the container and mix.
  • Drink ALL the liquid in the container.
  • You MUST drink two (2) more 16-ounce containers of water over the next 1 hour.

Beginning at 4 hours before your procedure arrival time on the morning of the procedure:

  • Pour the second 6-ounce bottle of SUPREP liquid into the mixing container.
  • Add cool drinking water up to the marked 16-ounce line on the container and mix.
  • Drink ALL the liquid in the container.
  • You MUST drink two (2) more 16-ounce containers of water over the next 1 hour.

You must finish drinking the final glass of water at least 1 hour before your procedure.

DO NOT have anything by mouth (except sips with medication) until after your procedure.

Colonoscopy Prep Instructions

  • Colonoscopy Preparation Instructions