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Instructions to follow

You’ll need to follow specific instructions to prepare for your colonoscopy exam. The reason is that in order for your doctor to be able to detect any issues during the colonoscopy, you first need to clean out your bowel. This includes adjusting your diet in the days leading up to the exam and taking the laxative preparation prescribed by your doctor at specific time intervals. Depending on the medication prescribed, you will need to follow slightly different steps.

Steps to Follow For Every Colonoscopy

7 days before

Most people will not need to do anything differently this far in advance of a colonoscopy. However, review you medications with your doctor and ask for specific instructions if you take blood-thinners (like Plavix or Pradaxa).

3 days before

Stop eating nuts, seeds, and popcorn.

2 days before

Drink 8 glasses of water during the day and stop eating after midnight.

The day before

Begin a clear liquid diet, in addition to drinking 8 glasses of water during the day.
At 6pm, you will need to take the laxative preparation prescribed by your doctor according to the specific instructions.
Stay near the toilet after you begin taking the prep solution.

Day of your exam

While some of the colonoscopy prep solutions are only taken the previous day, others will need to be repeated the morning of your exam. The instructions for each solution are below.

No smoking on the day of your procedure
Take any morning medications at least 3 hours before your exam with 4oz of water.
Stop drinking liquids 3 hours before your exam.
Bring a list of all your current prescription and over-the-counter medications
Arrange for a ride to and from the doctor