Colonoscopy Instructions

We've provided general guidelines and common dosing guidelines below for you to prepare for your procedure.

Prep Schedule Dosing Guidelines Clear Liquids Diet
Wake Gastroenterology Doctors Raleigh NC

Preparing for a Colonoscopy

Please review the following instructions to prepare for your upcoming procedure. These instructions are a general guideline - if your provider has given additional instructions for your preparation, these will be provided to you by your scheduling team.

Two Weeks Prior

TWO WEEKS PRIOR:

Review the Special Instructions section in your procedure packet. Additional prep instructions, notes from your provider, and instructions for certain medications will be found in this packet. The following are a general guideline, refer to your specific instructions provided in your packet.

  • ALERT OUR OFFICE IF YOU ARE TAKING ANY BLOOD THINNING MEDICATIONS NOT LISTED IN YOUR SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE PROVIDED TO YOU AT TIME OF SCHEDULING.
  • If you have diabetes, please talk to your prescribing provider regarding your diabetic medications leading up to your procedure.
  • Confirm your driver! You are required to have a driver onsite during your procedure.
    • Your driver must be:
      • At least 18 years old
      • Able to stay for the full duration of the procedure (estimate around 2.5 hours)
  • CALL OUR OFFICE  (919) 781-7515 IF YOU NEED TO RESCHEDULE – WE REQUIRE 7 BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR NOTICE
One Week Prior

ONE WEEK PRIOR:

  • Discontinue taking Iron pills and multivitamins containing iron.
  • Increase your daily hydration. Staying hydrated will help your prep work better! Drink one extra glass of water every day until your procedure.
  • STOP eating nuts, seeds, and popcorn.
  • If you are taking a GLP 1 AGONIST or PHENTERMINE, do not take the dose one week prior to the procedure.
Five Days Prior

FIVE DAYS PRIOR:

  • Pick up your prep medication from your pharmacy.
  • Review your LOW FIBER DIET instructions.
  • Stop eating high fiber foods like beans, raw fruits, and vegetables.
  • Stop taking any FISH OIL or VITAMIN E.
  • Discontinue medications like Meloxicam, Celebrex, and Elmiron.
  • Discontinue taking NSAIDS.
Two Days Prior

TWO DAYS PRIOR

  • Start following the SOFT LOW FIBER DIET.
The Day Before

THE DAY BEFORE:

  • Start following the clear liquid diet.
  • Begin your first prep dose at 6:00 pm unless otherwise directed.
The Day Of

DAY OF THE PROCEDURE:

  • Begin your final prep 5 hours prior to procedure unless otherwise directed.
  • Finish your prep at least 3 hours prior to your procedure.
  • Please review your special instructions; certain medications can impact when you stop drinking clear liquids.

Dosing Guideline Instructions

These are the standard versions of these preps, any specific dietary and/or medication instructions would be included within the packet the patient received at the time of scheduling. Please refer to the personal GI packet for comprehensive instructions on how to prep for an upcoming procedure.

Clenpiq Dosing Instructions

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Gallon Split Dosing Instructions

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Miralax Gatorade Split Dosing Instructions

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Plenvu Dosing Instructions

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Sutab Dosing Instructions

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Suflave Dosing Instructions

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Clear Liquid Diet Information

The following clear liquid diet is a component of all the endoscopic bowel preps. It is important to avoid avoid red, purple, and orange liquids and foods because food dye can make it difficult for your doctor to see your colon.

Soups:

Clear bouillon, clear broth, or consommé

Beverages:

Tea, black coffee (decaf/regular), carbonated beverages (soft drinks), Kool-aid, Gatorade, water

Juices:

Cranberry, grape, apple (NO orange juice or tomato juice)

Dessert:

Jell-O, Iced popsicles, water ices (DO NOT USE red, purple or orange flavors)

Miscellaneous:

Sugar, salt, hard candy (lifesavers, etc.)

 

Please contact our office at  (919) 781-7515 if you have any additional questions.