Preparing for Your Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a vital screening tool that helps detect colon cancer and other gastrointestinal issues early. Proper preparation is key to ensuring accurate results and a smooth procedure. Please follow the steps in the prep instructions below.
Disclaimer: These instructions are only to be utilized by patients scheduled for a colonoscopy and who have been directed to do so by their healthcare provider. If you have questions about your prep method, feel free to contact us at 812.242.3390 and press option 3 to speak directly with a member of our team.
Miralax Prep Instruction
Phone appointment with Pre-Anesthesia Testing nurse:
Please be sure to answer this call. If you miss the call please call the PAT clinic at 812-238-7474. All of your medications will be discussed and instructions will be given by the pre-anesthesia testing nurse during this phone appointment.
Procedure Time: The PAT clinic will call you the day prior to your procedure to give your arrival time.
You will need to pick up the following at the pharmacy:
- A 238 gram bottle of Miralax
- A box of Dulcolax Laxative tablets.
We strongly recommend purchasing 64oz of Gatorade or Powerade to mix with the Miralax. This will you remain hydrated during your prep. If you are diabetic we recommend Propel Fitness water, Gatorade Zero or any no sugar alternative. If you do not wish to use Gatorade you may mix with another liquid that follows your clear liquid diet.
Important things to note:
- Do not take any anti-inflammatories (Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Nuprin, Medipren or fish oil) for 5 days prior to your procedure. You may take Tylenol.
- Do not eat popcorn or chia seeds 5 days prior to your procedure.
If you are currently taking any prescribed blood thinners:
Plavix, Effient, Brilinta, Warfarin/Coumadin - needs to be stopped 5 days prior to your procedure.
Pradaxa, Eliquis - needs to be stopped 2 days prior to your procedure
Xarelto - needs to be stopped 1 day prior to your procedure
Aspirin - does not need to be stopped, you may take as normal.
GI office will contact your prescribing physician to request clearance for you to stop these medications prior to the procedure. Plan on stopping them the number of days listed unless you are contacted and told otherwise. If your doctor does not grant clearance you will be contacted and advised to continue taking your medications as normal. If you have any concerns about this you may contact your prescribing physician.
IF YOU ARE TAKING ADIPEX PLEASE STOP THIS MEDICATION 7 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE.
IF YOU ARE TAKING IRON PLEASE STOP THIS 5 DAYS PRIOR TO PROCEDURE.
TAKE 2 DULCOLAX TABLETS 2 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE AT 5:00 PM.
2 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE: STAY ON A SOFT DIET ALL DAY
Coco, coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, synthetic fruit-flavored drinks (no red food coloring), cooked refined cereals (cream of wheat, oatmeal), gelatin, sherbet, ice cream, ice, pudding, custard, cream, butter, margarine in cereal or soup, pureed meats, very thin cream soup or broth, baby food, strained cream soups, broth or bouillon, vegetables pureed in milk or very thin cream soups or broth, salt, honey, sugar, plain syrups, hard candy, marshmallows, flavorings except anything with red, purple or orange food coloring, soft chocolate, plain cream candies, eggs chopped finely.
Start your colonoscopy bowel prep on:
Your clear liquid diet begins when you wake up this morning, this means absolutely no solid foods. If you consume solid foods at any point during this day you will need to contact our office.
Things you may have:
- Any water, sodas, clear fruit juices, sports drinks, drink mixes such as crystal light, etc. Please do not drink anything red or blue.
- Coffee and tea's, you may add sugar or sweeteners but no milk or milk products - this includes powdered creamer products.
- Soup broths, Consomme, bullion - make sure there are no food pieces.
- You may also have popsicles and jello, make sure there is no added fruit/fruit pieces. Please nothing red or blue.
- You may have gum and dissolvable mints, do not swallow gum. No gum or mints after midnight please.
No cigarette's, chewing tobacco, or vaping of any kind the day of your prep.
Bowel prep instructions:
THE DAY BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE
4pm: Take 4 Dulcolax Laxative Tablets
5pm: Mix 238 grams of Miralax with 64 ounces of Gatorade and drink ½ of this preparation (32 oz). You have 2 hours to drink, this half needs to be completed by 7pm.
You can continue your clear liquid diet up until midnight. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight, except the second dose of the bowel prep.
Second dose: You will drink your second dose 6 hours prior to your arrival time. You will be given your arrival time closer to the date of the procedure. When given your arrival time you will count 6 hours before, this is when you will drink the remaining Miralax mixture. You will have 2 hours to complete this. No more liquids once this prep is finished.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact your doctor. If it is after clinic hours and it is an urgent matter, please call 812-232-0564 to have the doctor on call paged.
Download a copy of Miralax Colonoscopy Prep Instructions here.