Miralax, Gatorade, Bisacodyl and Magnesium Citrate
You are scheduled for a colonoscopy, a procedure in which a doctor examines the lining of your large intestine by looking through a flexible tube called a colonoscope. If growths or other abnormalities are found during the procedure, the doctor may remove the abnormal tissue for closer examination or biopsy.
*Please remember to arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home. If you do not have a responsible driver your procedure will be cancelled and rescheduled.
Review the preparation schedule below for the days preceding your colonoscopy. Should you need further assistance please call 612-871-1145.
1 week prior
Purchase (over the counter):
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2 tablets bisacodyl (Dulcolax laxative). These tablets must contain 5 mg of bisacodyl each. Do not use Dulcolax stool softener.
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1 bottle of Miralax, 8.3 oz (238 grams)
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64 oz Gatorade. No red liquids. Regular Gatroade or Gatorade G2 is acceptable. Refridgerate Gatorade if you wish to drink it cold. Do not substitute: the electrolytes in Gatorade are important for colon preparation. Do not use powdered Gatorade.
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1 bottle Magnesium Citrate, 10 oz. No red liquids.
If you take fiber supplements or medications containing iron, discontinue them 7 days before your appointment. This includes multi-vitamins with iron, Metamucil and Fibercon.
If you have diabetes, ask your regular doctor for diet and medication instructions.
If you take a medication to thin your blood and have not already discussed this with our office, please call our scheduling office. Aspirin may be continued.
Pregnant or think you may be? Bowel cleaning products have not been researched/ tested on pregnant women. Please discuss risks and benefits of this procedure with your ordering physician.
3 Days Prior
Begin Low Fiber Diet
No raw fruits or vegetables
No whole wheat or high fiber
No nuts or popcorn
No bran or bulking agents.
Stop consuming all high fiber foods.
Last chance to cancel appointment. Please call our office if you need to reschedule your appointment.
612-871-1145
Remember: you must have a responsible driver accompany you home after your procedure.
2 Days Prior
Fill out enclosed Health History form. Bring this form with you to the appointment.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water throughout the day.
No solid foods after midnight.
1 Day Prior
Begin Clear Liquid Diet
Water, clear broth or bouillon, coffee or tea (without milk or non-dairy creamer), Gatorade, Pedialyte, carbonated & non-carbonated soft drinks, Kool-Aid or other fruit-flavored drinks, strained fruit juices (no pulp), Jell-O, popsicles and hard candy. Alcohol is not permitted.
*No red liquids*
Drink at least 8 glasses of water throughout the day.
At 12 noon: Take the two (2) tablets of bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
Between 4 and 6 p.m: Mix 1 bottle of Miralax (8.3 oz, 238 grams) with 64 oz of Gatorade in a large pitcher or bowl. Drink one 8 ounce glass of the solution and continue drinking one 8-oz glass every 15 minutes until the mixture is gone.
If you experience nausea or vomiting, rinse your mouth with water, take a 15- to 30- minute break and then continue drinking the prep solution.
Note: Oral laxatives may cause mild cramping, bloating or nausea. Always stay near a toilet when using laxatives.
Reminder for Tomorrow:
4 hours before your procedure drink one bottle of magnesium citrate (10 oz).
Procedure Day
4 hours before your procedure: drink 1 bottle of magnesium citrate (10 oz).
You may take your morning medications.
You may drink clear liquids up to 4 hours before procedure.
Be sure to bring:
Driver
Insurance Card
Health History Form
If you have followed the instructions and your stool is no longer formed but clear or yellow liquid, you are ready for the exam. If you are unsure that your colon is clean, please call our office at 612-871-1145.
Remember you must have a responsible driver to accompany you home.
You can not drive the remainder of the day after your procedure.