To ensure a successful exam, please follow all instructions carefully. You MUST arrange a ride for the day of your exam. If you fail to arrange acceptable transportation, your procedure will need to be rescheduled. If you have diabetes, ask your physician for diet and medication instructions. If you are or may be pregnant, please discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure with your doctor.
Please bring a list of all of your current medications, including any over-the-counter medications with you. If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call your doctor’s office as soon as possible.
Use the prep kit from your doctor or purchase the following supplies at your local pharmacy:
4 Dulcolax laxative tablets containing 5 mg of bisacodyl each (NOT Dulcolax stool softener)
1 – 8.3 oz. bottle Miralax (238 grams)
64 oz. clear liquid (NOT red). Gatorade, G2, Gatorade Ice, Powerade or Powerade Zero are acceptable
7 DAYS BEFORE YOUR COLONOSCOPY:
If you take aspirin or NSAIDS such as Advil, Motrin, Celebrex or Ibuprofen, you may continue to take them as usual unless otherwise instructed by your physician. You should discuss this with your physician in advance of the procedure. Ask your doctor for specific instructions if you take a blood thinner like Plavix, Pradaxa, Clopidogrel, Coumadin, Warfarin, Effient, Prasugrel or Lovenox.
3 DAYS BEFORE YOUR COLONOSCOPY:
Stop eating all nuts, seeds and popcorn.
1 DAY BEFORE YOUR COLONOSCOPY:
Begin a clear liquid diet. Drink at least 8 glasses of water during the day to avoid dehydration.
At 12 noon, take 4 Dulcolax tablets. Mix 64 oz. liquid with 8.3 oz. Miralax and place in the refrigerator (DO NOT ADD ICE)
At 6 pm, drink one 8 oz. glass of the Miralax/Gatorade solution and continue drinking one 8 oz. glass every15 minutes thereafter until the mixture is gone. Set a timer for every 15 minutes to keep pace.