APD_Colonoscopy_Prep_Instructions - 9-28-20

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Jacob

Colonoscopy preparation instructions covering the 7 days prior, the day before, and the day of the procedure. Provide guidance on arranging transportation because sedation prevents driving and requires a responsible adult to accompany and wait. Specify medication and fluid regimen: Miralax (polyethylene glycol), Dulcolax (bisacodyl), and approved clear liquids, with strict restrictions on solid foods and red, orange, or purple drinks. Include dosing timing and fasting rules, plus medication timing, contact lens guidance, and when to call the office for blood thinners or insulin.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

7 Days Before Your Colonoscopy

Medications and Arrangements

The Day Before Your Colonoscopy

Food and Drink Restrictions

Miralax and Dulcolax Schedule

The Day of Your Colonoscopy

Fasting and Instructions

Important Notes

7 DAYS BEFORE YOUR COLONOSCOPY: • Arrange for transportation. You will be given sedation during your procedure, therefore you cannot drive for the rest of the day and you MUST have a responsible adult accompany you to and from the hospital and wait in the hospital during your procedure, otherwise your procedure will be cancelled and rescheduled. Please, NO alternative forms of transportation like cabs or buses. MEDICATIONS: • Purchase one 238gm bottles of Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) over the counter at your local pharmacy • Purchase two Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) 5mg tablets over the counter at your local pharmacy • Purchase 64 oz. of Gatorade (WHITE, YELLOW OR GREEN ONLY) optional, may use water. THE DAY BEFORE YOUR COLONOSCOPY: • No solid food allowed for the entire day. You will be on a clear liquid diet. • DO NOT drink anything RED, ORANGE or PURPLE. • Drink clear liquids all day long, drinking enough to keep your stomach full. o Approved liquids are as follows: black coffee or tea-no milk or cream, white grape juice, apple juice, cider, Gatorade, clear broth or bouillon, ice tea, lemonade, plain Jell-O (no red, blue or purple) • In the morning, mix 238gm of Miralax (Polyethylene Glycol) with 64 oz. of Gatorade or water, shake well and refrigerate. • 3 pm-take 2 Dulcolax (Bisacodyl) tablets with water. • 5 pm-start drinking the Miralax solution (previously prepared and refrigerated) . Drink at [least one 8 oz. glass](least one 8 oz. glass) every 10 minutes until solution is finished. THE DAY OF YOUR COLONOSCOPY: • Clear liquids only • NOTHING BY MOUTH 4 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE TIME • Do not wear contact lenses IMPORTANT NOTES: Take your blood pressure and heart medications as you usually do. Take your medications an hour before or an hour after drinking the preparation. If you are taking Coumadin, Plavix or any other blood thinner or insulin and haven’t been given instructions please call the office.

FAQs

Why is a responsible adult required for colonoscopy day, and can you drive after sedation?

Sedation will be given during the procedure, so driving is not allowed for the rest of the day. A responsible adult must accompany you to and from the hospital and wait during the procedure; otherwise, it may be cancelled and rescheduled.

What are the main restrictions on food and drinks the day before the colonoscopy?

No solid food is allowed for the entire day; you must follow a clear liquid diet. Do not drink anything red, orange, or purple, and choose from approved clear liquids such as black coffee or tea, white grape juice, apple juice, cider, Gatorade, clear broth or bouillon, ice tea, lemonade, and plain Jell-O with no red/blue/purple.

How should Miralax and Dulcolax be taken, and when should you stop eating or drinking on procedure day?

The morning before: mix 238gm Miralax with 64 oz. of Gatorade or water, shake well, and refrigerate. At 3 pm, take two 5mg Dulcolax tablets with water. At 5 pm, start drinking the refrigerated Miralax solution, taking at least one 8 oz. glass every 10 minutes until finished. On procedure day: take clear liquids only and nothing by mouth for 4 hours prior to your procedure time.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Jacob