Instructions for Colonoscopy

Preparing is usually considered the most difficult part of the procedure. The purpose of the preparation is to clean your digestive system and colon to make it easier to detect polyps or abnormal tissue during the colonoscopy.
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HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE COLONOSCOPY?

Preparing is usually considered the most difficult part of the procedure. The purpose of the preparation is to clean your digestive system and colon to make it easier to detect polyps or abnormal tissue during the colonoscopy.

This involves following a clear liquid diet for 24 hours prior to the colonoscopy and following one of the preparation instructions below:

CLENPIQ
Clenpiq Instructions

PREPOPIK (AM & PM)
Prepopik Instructions (AM)
Prepopik Instructions (PM)

TRILYTE
Trilyte Instructions

MOVIPREP
Moviprep Instructions

SUPREP
Suprep Instructions

PLENVU
Plenvu Instructions

PILL PREPARATION

7 DAYS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

  • If you take aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin and/or warfarin, contact your prescribing doctor about stopping these medications five days prior to your procedure.

5 DAYS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

  • Arrange a ride home – you will be given medication that relaxes you and makes you sleepy, so you cannot drive, take a bus, or take a taxi home. If you arrive without an escort, your procedure will need to be rescheduled.
  • Stop taking iron, vitamin E, ginkgo, garlic, and ginger. A multivitamin is ok.
  • Stop taking aspirin, Plavix, Coumadin, and warfarin.
  • Stop taking all anti-inflammatory medicines, including Advil, Anacin, Aleve, Alka Seltzer, Bufferin, Ecotrin, Indocin, Relafen, Naproxen, Naprosyn, Nuprin, Volaren, Votran. Tylenol is ok.

3 DAYS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

  • Confirm your ride.
  • If you need to cancel your appointment, call the office at (760) 783-0441.
  • Review the diet you need to follow for the next 2 days. Plan your meals according to the diet.

2 DAYS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

  • Drink at least 8 glasses of water throughout the day.Stop eating seeds, popcorn, nuts and whole grains.Do not eat any solid food after midnight.

1 DAY BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

  • Start a strict, clear liquid diet.
  • Start your bowel preparation.
  • Consider using Desitin cream if you experience rectal irritation.

THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE

  • Take your regular medications with a sip of water.
  • Do not take supplements or vitamins.
  • You may have clear liquids up to 3 hours before your procedure.
  • Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.
  • Consider bringing socks to wear during your procedure.
  • Bring your escort/driver with you to your appointment.
  • Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU DRINK A FULL 8 OZ. OF CLEAR LIQUID WITH EACH DOSE

Start time: 6:00pm

FIRST DOSE – Begin the 1st dose at 6pm. Take 4 OsmoPrep tablets every 15 minutes with at least 8 oz. of clear liquids until you have taken all 20 tablets.
6:00pm 6:15pm 6:30pm 6:45pm 7:00pm
4 tablets 4 tablets 4 tablets 4 tablets 4 tablets

8 oz. of clear liquids include: Water, clear Sodas, Apple Juice Etc. Avoid Red or Purple liquids.

SECOND DOSE – Begin the 1st dose at 8pm. Take 4 OsmoPrep tablets every 15 minutes with at least 8 oz. of clear liquids. Do not exceed 12 tablets.

8:00pm 8:15pm 8:30pm
4 tablets 4 tablets 4 tablets

8 oz. of clear liquids include: Water, clear Sodas, Apple Juice Etc. Avoid Red or Purple liquids.

If you have any questions regarding these instructions or the exam, please call our office. (760) 783-0441

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU DRINK A FULL 8 OZ. OF CLEAR LIQUID WITH EACH DOSE

Start time: 6:00pm

FIRST DOSE – Begin the 1st dose at 6pm. Take 4 OsmoPrep tablets every 15 minutes with at least 8 oz. of clear liquids until you have taken all 20 tablets. Do not exceed 20 tablets.
6:00pm 6:15pm 6:30pm 6:45pm 7:00pm
4 tablets 4 tablets 4 tablets 4 tablets 4 tablets

8 oz. of clear liquids include: Water, clear Sodas, Apple Juice Etc. Avoid Red or Purple liquids.

SECOND DOSE – Begin the 2nd dosing regimen at approximately 3-5 hours before procedure. Take this regimen as shown.

7:00am 7:15am 7:30am 7:45am
4 tablets 4 tablets 4 tablets 4 tablets

8 oz. of clear liquids include: Water, clear Sodas, Apple Juice Etc. Avoid Red or Purple liquids.

If you have any questions regarding these instructions or the exam, please call our office. (760) 783-0441

Sample Clear Liquid Diet Preparation

This diet provides fluids that leave little residue and are easily absorbed with minimal digestive activity. This diet is inadequate in all essential nutrients and is recommended only if clear liquids are temporarily needed. No red or purple liquids should be consumed.

Food group Foods not allowed Foods allowed
Milk & beverages. (No red or purple liquids!) Milk, milk drinks, creamer Tea or coffee (decaffeinated or regular), carbonated beverages, fruit flavored drinks, sports drinks, crystal light
Meats & meat substitutes All None
Vegetables All None
Fruits & fruit juices Fruit juices with unstrained fruit Strained fruit juices: apple, white grape, lemonade, white cranberry
Grains & starches All None
Soups All others Clear broth, consomme
Desserts All others Clear flavored gelatin, popsicles (no red or purple)
Fats All None
Miscellaneous All others Sugar, honey, syrup, clear, hard candy, salt

Visit The Endoscopy Center website to answer your specific questions about the preparation, procedure and what to expect.