Bowel Prep Instructions/Colonoscopy

We have 2 sets of instructions.  Follow the one you have been given and ignore the other.

1-  Colonoscopy preparation (Magnesium Citrate):
a.  3 bottles of Magnesium Citrate (300cc or 10 oz. each)
b.  2 Dulcolax  tablets
c.  1 Fleet Enema (green and white box)

The day before colonoscopy:
White bread toast and butter with eggs for breakfast.  Liquid diet for the rest of the day before surgery.  Avoid liquids and jello with red coloring as the residue from these may be mistaken for blood at the time of the examination.  It is important not to let yourself get dehydrated during this period, so drink at least a glass of clear juice/water every hour during the prep.

At noon the day before the exam take the 2 Dulcolax tablets.
At  4:00 PM,  drink the contents (300cc) of the first bottle of  Magnesium Citrate followed by a glass of clear juice/water.   Repeat this at 6:00PM.
If you normally tend to be very constipated, you may need an additional bottle of Magnesium Citrate 2 hours after the second one to fully clean you out.  You will know this if your bowel movements still have a lot of solid content.

On the morning of the procedure:

Drink the third bottle of Magnesium Citrate at 5:00AM.

Administer the Fleet enema rectally 30-45 minutes before leaving your home or hotel.

Report to the center where your colonoscopy is scheduled about 30 minutes before start time.

You may brush your teeth in the morning and take your usual medication with a sip of water.

Make arrangements to be driven home after your colonoscopy.

Do not take any products containing Aspirin for 7 days prior to your surgery.  If you are on Plavix (Clopidogrel) or Coumadin (Warfarin), please let Dr. Aquino know so you may be given special instructions.  If you are unsure whether or not to take a particular medication, please ask.
Do not take any diet medications for one week before your colonoscopy.

2-  Colonoscopy preparation  (MOVIPREP)

ONE WEEK BEFORE PROCEDURE:
Do not take any blood thinners such as (Aspirin, NSAID’s, Plavix , garlic tablets) during the week preceding your procedure UNLESS instructed otherwise.  No Warfarin/Coumadin for 3 days prior to the procedure.

THE DAY BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE:
The more clear liquids you drink throughout the day before your procedure, the better you will feel and the better your prep will be.

1.  Mix MoviPrep (1 pouch A and 1 pouch B) in the container with tap water early in the morning and refrigerate.

2.  Stay on a clear liquid diet all day THE DAY BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE.  This includes water, black coffee (no cream), tea, lemon or lime Jello (no fruit), chicken or beef broth, apple juice, ginger ale, 7-Up, sprite, ice pops, diet sodas (diet Coke, diet Pepsi, diet Dr. Pepper), and clear Gatorade.  Sweetners such as Sweet & Low, Equal, and sugar are ok.  NO RED JELLO OR RED BEVERAGES.

3.  Begin drinking the first batch of MoviPrep at 6:00pm.  Drink 8 oz. every 10-15 min. until it is all gone.  Once you have completed drinking the MoviPrep solution, drink (2) 8 oz glasses of clear liquid.  This will keep you hydrated.  

4.  Mix the remaining MoviPrep (1 pouch A and 1 pouch B) in the same container with tap water after you have consumed the first liter and refrigerate.  

THE DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE:
5. Begin drinking the MoviPrep you mixed the night before 4 hours prior to your scheduled procedure time.  (example: if your colonoscopy is at 10am, you will need to begin drinking your MoviPrep at 6am)  Drink 8 oz. every 10-15 min. until it is all gone.  Once you have completed drinking the MoviPrep solution, drink (2) 8 oz glasses of clear liquid.  This will keep you hydrated.  

6.  You may take important medications (such as heart, blood pressure, thyroid, or a seizure disorder, etc.) with a small sip of water on the morning of your procedure.  If you are a diabetic, DO NOT take your diabetic medications on the morning of your procedure. Routine medications with the exception of blood thinning medications may be taken when you get home.  

7.  Transportation:  Since a colonoscopy involves some anesthesia/sedation, you MUST have someone drive you home and stay with you during the following 4-6 hours (NO TAXI DRIVERS).  

8.  TIP:  using A&D ointment, Vaseline or diaper rash ointment between bowel movements will help prevent anal irritation.  You may also use baby wipes in place of toilet tissue.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE PREP INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN THE CANCELLATION OF YOUR PROCEDURE.  A COLONOSCOPY CANNOT BE DONE WITH A DIRTY COLON!