Colonoscopy Prep Instructions
Split-Dose
7 days before
Find a driver.
You can't drive home. Your colonoscopy will be cancelled if you don't have a driver.
Ask about medication.
You may need to change or stop some medicines. Ask your doctor about:
- Blood thinners
- Diabetes medicine
- Weight loss medicine
Get bowel prep medicine.
- Pick up the bowel prep medicine your doctor prescribed from the pharmacy.
- Buy Gas-X or other medicines your doctor recommends.
Low-fiber diet
Start a low-fiber diet on the day your doctor recommends.
Check your insurance.
You are responsible for any co-pay or costs not covered by your insurance.
Call us to cancel.
You must call us if you need to cancel or reschedule. There may be a cancellation fee, unless you call more than 3 days before your colonoscopy.
Follow all instructions.
If you have questions, call your doctor.
1 day before
Do not eat solid food today.
Your body needs time to empty your colon.
Medication changes.
Follow instructions from your doctor.
Drink only clear liquids today.
✓ Yes: Water, clear broth, apple juice, coffee (no milk)
⊘ No: Red or purple liquid, milk or cream
5:00pm
Start taking the first half of your prep medicine.
- Follow instructions from your doctor or the pharmacist.
- Stay near the toilet. The prep gives you diarrhea.
- You will take the rest of your prep tomorrow.
Day of your colonoscopy
Do not eat solid food today.
If you eat today, your colonoscopy will be delayed for your safety.
Medication changes.
Follow instructions from your doctor.
Do not use marijuana or other drugs today.
Marijuana, tobacco, and other drugs can cause problems with bowel prep and anesthesia. Your colonoscopy may be cancelled.
Drink only clear liquids today.
✓ Yes: Water, clear broth, apple juice, coffee (no milk)
⊘ No: Red or purple liquid, milk or cream
6 hours before
Take the rest of your prep medicine. You may need to wake up very early!
3 hours before
Stop drinking all liquids, or your colonoscopy will be delayed for your safety.
Arrive early and bring only what you need.
✓ Yes: Water, clear broth, apple juice, coffee (no milk)
⊘ No: Red or purple liquid, milk or cream
Bring your driver.
You can't drive home. Your colonoscopy will be cancelled if you don't have a driver.
Call your doctor if you have questions.
This page has standard instructions.
It is not personal medical advice and does not replace instructions from your doctor.