Colonoscopy Preparation

Please read the instructions at least 2 weeks prior to the procedure to ensure you follow the directions.

BOWEL PREPARATIONS:

To complete a successful colonoscopy, the bowel must be clean so that the physician can clearly view the colon. The preparation is specially designed to help cleanse the colon to allow the best examination.

Medication Instructions:
  1. Seven days prior to your colonoscopy, do not take Advil, Motrin, Alka Seltzer, Arthritis pills, Aleve, Ibuprofen. Discuss any Aspirin intake with your physician.
  2. Hold -off on taking any blood thinners for four days prior to procedure (Coumadin, Plavix, newer oral anticoagulants) after obtaining your physician’s approval and instructions.
  3. Stop taking any Iron supplements four days prior to procedure. Tylenol can be taken if needed.
  4. Two nights before your procedure, take 2 Dulcolax tablets or 60cc milk of magnesia.
  5. The day before your colonoscopy you are allowed to take your regular medication.
  6. If you are a Diabetic, please discuss your medication dose with your physician.
  7. The morning of your colonoscopy, you are allowed to take your Blood Pressure, Heart or Liver medications.

Do not drive for at least 24 hours after your procedure. You will be administered medication that will leave you drowsy. Therefore, you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure.

MiraLAX & Dulcolax Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy

Bowel prep is done to clear the bowel of all solid matter and be clear and transparent after completion of prep. Begin the bowel prep the day before your scheduled colonoscopy. Please follow these instructions:

You will need the following from the pharmacy:

(There may be store brands of these products that cost less. Ask you Pharmacist to help you find what you need)

    1. 1 Large bottle of MiraLAX (238g)
    2. 4 Dulcolax tablets
    3. 64oz bottle of Gatorade or sports drink of your choice.
    4. 4 Oz Milk of Magnesia.
  • If you have Diabetes, buy Zero or Low calories drink such as Crystal Lite, instead.
  • No red or purple colored drinks.
  • Do not use carbonated beverages.
  • 2 Nights before at bedtime: Take 2 Dulcolax tablets with clear liquids.

The day before your colonoscopy:

  1. Drink only clear liquids. AVOID ALL RED, PURPLE COLORED DRINKS.
  2. DO NOT eat any solid food, milk or milk products.
  3. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of clear liquids prior to starting bowel preparation with MiraLAX.
  4. You may have clear liquids like the following:
    • Water, Coconut water (without any residue or solids), Coffee or tea (without cream or milk).
    • Apple, White grape juice, White grape juice, White cranberry juice.
    • Orange juice(No Pulp),Lemonade(No Pulp).
    • Popsicles, Italian ice, Gatorade.
    • Clear broth, Bouillon (vegetable, beef or chicken).
    • Jell-O, Kool Aid, Orange, Pepsi, Coke, Sprite (regular or diet).

You may need to go to the toilet right away. You will have many bowel movements throughout the day and they will become very watery. The bowels are clean and clear when there is only pale yellow fluid without flecks of stool. The timing given below can be discussed with the physician to suit your work hours.

Follow the schedule given below:

Morning before Procedure: Mix  the MiraLAX powder  and Gatorade in a large pitcher, then divide the mixture into two parts using 32oz bottle container of Gatorade or other sports drinks. Shake bottle thoroughly to dissolve all of the MiraLAX. Refrigerate it.

4:00 PM or the convenient time suited to you schedule (the evening before you procedure), Start drinking the MiraLAX and Gatorade mixture. Drink 1 glass every 10-15 minutes. Finish drinking the first half of the Gatorade-MiraLAX mixture within 1-2 hours. You may use a straw or drink slowly if feeling full or nauseous.

Bedtime: Take 2 Dulcolax tablets with clear liquids.

2:00AM or 4 hours prior to leaving for the procedure: Finish drinking the second half of the Gatorade-MiraLAX mixture within 1-2 hours. If Bowel movement is not clear then take 2 Tablespoon of Milk of Magnesia.

Do not eat, drink after you finish the second half of mixture. You may  gargle, but do not swallow any liquid.

You may take medications with small amounts of water.

**If you have difficulty drinking the cleaning solution, or if the bowel movements are not clear, and if you are experiencing cramping, bloating, nausea, or vomiting, please call the office at 630-325-8684.