Colonoscopy Screening Instructions
Congratulations on taking an active role in your health. Colonoscopy is the #1 way to prevent one of the deadliest cancers in America. To ensure that your scope goes as smoothly as possible, you’ll start preparing for your colonoscopy a few days before you drink the bowel-cleansing agent.
Here are a few things to know…
1 Week Prior to Exam
Fill your RX for your prescribed Prep Kit (Suprep, Golytely, Moviprep, etc.)
Do not take iron pills for 7 days prior to your procedure.
Continue taking your prescribed medications as usual unless otherwise directed.
Diabetic patients: Contact your primary care provider for diet and medication instructions.
5 Days Prior to Exam
Discontinue any medications that have blood thinning effects (i.e. Aspirin (81 mg acceptable), Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Mobic, Excedrin, Aleve, etc.) Tylenol products are not restricted.
(f you are on Coumadin, Plavix, Eliquis, Pradaxa, Xarelto, Savaysa or any other blood thinner prescribed by a physician, you must call the prescribing physician to ensure it is safe to discontinue the medication prior to your procedure.)
3 Days Prior to Exam
Avoid nuts, seeds, whole wheat bread, beans, corn, raw vegetables or fruits with seeds or skin, as they may adversely influence the quality of your exam.
2 Days Prior to Exam
You may eat a regular dinner, but stop eating solid foods after 7:00 p.m.You may continue to drink clear liquids. This means liquids you can see thru such as apple juice, water, Sprite, Jell-O, coffee (no creamer), tea, clear chicken/beef broth, Gatorade or Crystal Light.
(No milk, pulp products or drinks that contain dye/food coloring that are RED, PINK, Blue or PURPLE)
1-Day Prior to Exam
Do not eat solid food.
Switch to clear liquids. One day before the exam, you’ll drink only clear liquids. You need a lot of clear liquids to stay optimally hydrated and help flush the prep fluid through the intestinal tract.
Start the Prep
Most of our Ogden Clinic Gastroenterologists prescribe a split-dose regimen. This is where you’ll take half the prep agent the night before and the other half the morning of the procedure. If you have an afternoon exam, you can drink the prep agent the morning of the procedure. If you have a morning exam (before noon), you will drink half the prep the night before and the other half four hours before the colonoscopy. Your gastroenterologist will discuss whether you are receiving a split-dose prep or a standard prep.
Continue drinking clear liquids after you’ve finished your prep agent and do not take aspirin, NSAIDs, vitamins, or supplements until after your scope.
Please note: General guidance is provided here. Please refer to our PATIENT FORMS page for complete instructions for your type of colonoscopy prep. Your doctor will also send you home with a copy of the prep instructions.
Approved Clear Liquids:
· Water
· Popsicles
· Clear chicken or beef broth
· Coffee or tea (no milk or cream)
· Gatorade
· Pedialyte
· Sprite or Canada Dry
· Do NOT drink anything RED, BLUE, or PURPLE
What You Can Expect
Moderate Sedation
Moderate sedation is a mixture of medicines given during a procedure to help relieve pain and anxiety. While under this type of sedation, you will be able to answer questions, speak to your provider, and breathe on your own. The medications may cause you to have brief memory loss during your procedure and for a short time afterward. Plan a ride home from the hospital or surgical center as you will not be permitted to drive.
Following Your Procedure
You will be monitored after your treatment. During this time, a nurse will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and alertness. Once appropriate, you will be sent home with your responsible adult driver and written instructions. You may feel sleepy and light-headed, but this feeling will fade.
Do not drive a car, operate machinery or power tools.
Do not drink alcohol.
Do not make important legal decisions.
Do not smoke for the first 8 hours without supervision.
After Your Colonoscopy
Your gastroenterologist will communicate whether any adenomas (polyps) were found in your colon following your scope. Remember, not all polyps are cancerous. All adenomas removed will be tested and you will receive a call from our office within a few weeks informing you of the results. Thank you for trusting us with your health and for taking an active role in cancer prevention!