Bowel preparation or “bowel prep” is the process of removing feces from the colon prior to a medical or surgical procedure.
It is extremely important to drink your entire bowel prep solution according to the schedule provided so that your bowel is completely cleaned and free of stool, food particles, and any other residues that may be clinging to the colon.
A clean colon is important for adequate visualization of the bowel lumen in a colonoscopy.
If you are on blood thinners:
In most cases, you may need to hold blood thinner medications (i.e. Coumadin, Plavix, Xarelto, Eliquis, Pradaxa, etc.) several days prior to your procedure BUT follow the guidelines recommended by the prescribing provider.
Stop taking iron and NSAID medications (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Celebrex, etc.) Aspirin 81 mg is okay to continue
Follow a low fiber diet. Aim to keep your fiber intake to less than 15 grams per day. Stop eating seeds, nuts, popcorn, lettuce, fiber supplementation such as Metamucil (psyllium husk)
If you are a diabetic or taking insulin
Please notify your provider that you will be fasting for at least 8 hours. Please hold your diabetic medications the day of the procedure or as instructed by your provider and check your blood sugar accordingly.
One of our nurses will call you before your procedure to review instructions and health history and answer any questions you may have. Please have your medication list available.
The following items need to be purchased at a pharmacy (no prescription needed)
One bottle of magnesium citrate (clear or green colored)
One bottle (238 grams) of MiraLAX powder or generic polyethylene glycol 3350
64 ounces of Powerade Zero or low-calorie Gatorade (no red, blue, or purple color)
4 tablets of Dulcolax laxative 5mg tablets or generic bisacodyl
Tucks wipes or baby wipes (optional)
| Day | Time | Instructions |
| 2 days before your procedure | 8:00 AM 3:00 PM |
Begin your clear liquid diet the entire day
Examples of clear liquids: Water, strained fruit juices without pulp (apple, white grape), tea or coffee WITHOUT creamer or milk, clear chicken or beef broth, carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, gelatin or Jell-O as long as they are NOT red, purple or blue Drink 1 bottle of magnesium citrate |
| 1 day before your procedure | All day 3:00 PM 7:00 PM 12:00AM |
Continue your clear liquid diet the entire day Take 4 Dulcolax tablets Mix the entire bottle of MiraLAX into the 64 ounces of Gatorade. Mix solution until it is fully dissolved. Drink an 8-ounce glass every 10-15 minutes until you have consumed half (32 ounces). Place the remaining solution in the refrigerator. Drink the remainder of the MiraLAX/Gatorade solution. Drink an 8-ounce glass every 10-15 minutes until the mixture is gone. You must finish the solution at least 6 hours before your procedure. You may drink clear liquids until midnight. DO NOT eat or drink after midnight. |
Tips: The prep may not be palatable. If you experience nausea, bloating, or vomiting, then you may increase the time interval between each 8-ounce glass.