Colonoscopy Preparation Instructions

Please follow these instructions carefully and NOT the instructions included with your bowel preparation.

Important: Inadequate bowel preparation may result in your procedure being rescheduled.

Medication Instructions

Blood Thinners

If you take blood thinners, please notify our office. You must consult with your prescribing physician regarding whether these medications should be held before your procedure.

Examples include:

• Plavix

• Eliquis

• Aspirin

• Brilinta

• Coumadin

• Other anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications

Diabetes & Weight Loss Injections

If you take injectable medications for diabetes or weight loss, please notify our office. These medications must be stopped at least 8 days before your procedure.

Examples include:

• Ozempic

• Wegovy

• Zepbound

• Mounjaro

• Semaglutide

• Similar injectable medications

If you take oral diabetes medications (Metformin, Jardiance, etc.) or insulin, please consult your primary care physician or endocrinologist for medication instructions prior to your procedure.

Anti-Inflammatories, Vitamins & Supplements

Please stop taking the following 7 days before your procedure:

• Ibuprofen

• Advil

• Motrin

• Aleve

• Naproxen

• Multivitamins

• Vitamin E

• Herbal supplements

Tylenol (acetaminophen) products are safe to take if needed.

Other Prescription Medications

Do not stop medications for:

• Blood pressure

• Heart conditions

• Thyroid disorders

• Cholesterol management

• Seizure disorders

These medications may be taken on the morning of your procedure with a small sip of water unless otherwise instructed.

Nothing to Drink

Do not drink anything for a minimum of 3 hours before your scheduled procedure time.

Three Days Before Your Procedure

We recommend taking:

• 1 capful of MiraLAX daily

• Mix 1 capful in 8 ounces of water

Continue this once daily until the day before your bowel preparation begins.

The Day Before Your Procedure

Clear Liquids Only

Do not eat any solid foods.

You may have:

• Water

• Clear broth

• Gatorade

• Jell-O

• Water-based Italian ice

• Tea

• Black coffee

Avoid all red-colored liquids and foods.

Bowel Preparation

Dose 1

Take the first dose of your bowel preparation at 6:00 PM the evening before your procedure.

Dose 2

The timing of your second dose depends on your scheduled procedure time.

Your procedure will be performed at Smithtown ASC. A member of our team will contact you prior to your procedure with your arrival time and instructions on when to take Dose 2 of your bowel preparation.