Colonoscopy Preparation Instructions
Please follow the instructions below to prepare for your colonoscopy. If you have any further questions, please contact your doctor’s office for more information.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call
773-907-3038.
In the Weeks Prior to Procedure
- Work with your primary care provider to determine which medications are safe to take and which should be stopped in the days and weeks leading up to your colonoscopy prep, procedure and recovery.
One Week Prior to Procedure
- Stop taking iron pills.
- Stop taking anticoagulants such as, Aggrenox, Plavix, Ticlid, Effient, Coumadin (Warfarin), Pradaxa, and Lovenox (enoxaparin). Please contact your primary care provider for instructions.
- You will be fasting for this procedure. Patients with diabetes should check with their provider for instructions on changes to their medication.
- Work with your primary care provider to determine which medications are safe to take and which should be stopped in the days and weeks leading up to your colonoscopy prep, procedure and recovery.
Five Days Prior
- Begin a low-fiber diet
- Pick-up your bowel prep solution from the pharmacy.
- Arrange for transportation on the day of your procedure.
- Work with your primary care provider to determine which medications are safe to take and which should be stopped in the days and weeks leading up to your colonoscopy prep, procedure and recovery.
One Day Prior
- Clear liquids only. Do not eat any solid foods.
- Begin taking the first half of your bowel prep at 6 p.m. and finish by 8 p.m. Please follow prescribed instructions.
- The second half of your bowel prep must be taken six hours prior to your procedure.
- Work with your primary care provider to determine which medications are safe to take and which should be stopped in the days and weeks leading up to your colonoscopy prep, procedure and recovery.
Day of the Procedure
- Diabetic patients must follow the instructions provided by the physician who is managing their diabetes.
- You many continue drinking clear liquids in the morning, even while finishing your prep.
- Take routine medications unless you were instructed to hold any medications by your provider.
- Five hours before your procedure start time, you must finishing drinking your bowel prep, within a two-hour window.
- Do not eat or drink anything after you have finished your prep solution.
- Your stools should be mostly clear (like clear broth).
- Expect to be at the hospital for two to three hours from your arrival time.
- Work with your primary care provider to determine which medications are safe to take and which should be stopped in the days and weeks leading up to your colonoscopy prep, procedure and recovery.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call
773-907-3038.
