Colonoscopy Patient Instructions

Colonoscopy Pre-Procedure Instructions

Please read all instructions carefully before your colonoscopy. Proper preparation is essential to ensure your physician can clearly examine your colon and provide accurate results. In addition to the general instructions below, always follow the specific bowel preparation prescribed by your physician.

Special Medication Instructions

Diabetes and Blood Thinning Medications

If you take medications for diabetes or blood thinning (such as insulin, metformin, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, or aspirin):

  • Contact the physician who manages these medications before your procedure

  • Ask whether you should stop or adjust your medication and for how long

  • Do not stop or change any medication unless you are instructed to do so

Eating and Drinking Instructions

(Applies to all bowel preparations)

Two (2) Days Before Your Procedure

To help ensure a clean colon:

  • Avoid foods that are high in fiber, including:

    • Whole grain breads and cereals

    • Fruits and vegetables (raw or cooked)

    • Nuts, seeds, popcorn, quinoa

  • Eat only low-fiber, easy-to-digest foods

One (1) Day Before Your Procedure

  • Do not eat any solid foods

  • Drink clear liquids only, such as:

    • Water

    • Clear, fat-free broth

    • Apple juice or white grape juice

    • Gelatin (avoid red or purple colors)

    • Ice pops

    • Sports drinks

    • Carbonated beverages

    • Tea or coffee (sugar is allowed)

  • Do not consume any dairy products, including milk or cream

Day of Your Procedure

  • Do not eat solid foods

  • Stop drinking all liquids 2–4 hours before your scheduled procedure

  • Confirm the exact stop time with your physician or care team

Medication Instructions on Procedure Day

  • Essential daily medications may be taken with small sips of water prior to arrival

  • Follow special instructions provided by your healthcare provider if you take:

    • Diabetes medications

    • Blood thinners

  • Bring a list of all current medications with you

If you have additional questions, please review our Frequently Asked Questions or contact our office.

Bowel Preparation Instructions

(Follow the prep prescribed by your physician)

Sutab Preparation

Sutab Preparation

Your prescription will be sent to your pharmacy approximately one week before your procedure. Please note that the instructions on the box may differ—follow the instructions below.

Evening Before Your Procedure (Begin at 5:00 PM)

  1. Open the first bottle (12 tablets)

  2. Fill the provided container with 16 oz of water

  3. Swallow one tablet every 1–2 minutes, flushing with water

  4. Finish all 12 tablets and the water within 30 minutes

  5. Do not crush or break the tablets

  6. One hour after the last tablet, drink another 16 oz of water

  7. Thirty minutes later, drink an additional 16 oz of water

  8. Save the container for the next morning

Day of Your Procedure

  • Begin at least 6 hours before arrival

  • Take the second bottle (12 tablets) using the same method

  • Complete all tablets and water 3–4 hours before the procedure

  • Stop drinking clear liquids 2 hours before arrival

Suprep Preparation

Your prescription will be sent to your pharmacy approximately one week prior to your procedure.

Evening Before Your Procedure (Begin at 6:00 PM)

  1. Pour one bottle of Suprep into the mixing container

  2. Add cold water to the 16-oz line

  3. Mix well and drink the entire solution

  4. Over the next hour, drink at least two additional 16-oz containers of water

Day of Your Procedure

  1. Repeat the same steps with the second bottle

  2. Drink at least two 16-oz containers of water

  3. Stop all clear liquids 2 hours before arrival

Clenpiq Preparation

Your prescription will be sent to your pharmacy approximately one week before your procedure.

Evening Before Your Procedure (Begin at 6:00 PM)

  1. Drink one bottle of Clenpiq

  2. Over the next five hours, drink at least five 8-oz cups of clear liquids

Day of Your Procedure

  1. Drink the second bottle of Clenpiq

  2. Drink at least four 8-oz cups of clear liquids

  3. Stop drinking liquids 3 hours before arrival

Miralax /Golytely / PEG-Based Preparations

(Includes Golytely, PEG-3350, TriLyte, NuLytely, Golyte-C)

Your prescription will be sent to your pharmacy approximately one week before your procedure.

Preparing the Solution

  1. Dissolve the powder in water before drinking

  2. Fill the jug halfway with lukewarm water

  3. Shake well until the powder is dissolved

  4. Add cold water to the fill line and shake again

  5. The full jug contains sixteen 8-oz cups

  6. Refrigerate if desired

  7. Use the solution within 24 hours of mixing

Evening Before Your Procedure (Begin at 6:00 PM)

  1. Drink one 8-oz cup quickly

  2. Continue drinking one cup every 10–15 minutes

  3. Drink approximately ¾ of the solution

  4. Refrigerate the remaining solution for the morning

Day of Your Procedure

  1. Shake the jug well

  2. Drink one 8-oz cup every 10–15 minutes

  3. Finish the remaining solution

  4. Stop all liquids 2 hours before arrival

Cancellations and Rescheduling

  • Please provide at least four (4) business days’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your procedure

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