Preparation for Colonoscopy with MiraLax and Ducolax
Colonoscopy Preparation using MiraLax and Dulcolax
SEVEN DAYS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
Medication restriction
- Diabetics taking insulin will need dose adjustment the day before the exam. Please get advice from your physician (we can mail or fax a special form to assist in these changes). For diabetics only taking diabetic pills, simply stop the pills one day before the procedure.
- Coumadin should be held for three days before the procedure if possible. This needs approval from the doctor who is responsible for prescribing the Coumadin.
- Aspirin (or aspirin-containing pills) and/or plavix should be stopped for seven days. Do not stop these medicines if you have had a heart attack, angina, heart stent, or stroke until the day before the procedure. All arthritis medication, Tylenol, and other Rx medicine are ok take.
Items to Purchase
- Purchase MiraLax (generic Glycolox) 238 gram bottle (over the counter).
- Purchase 32 oz. of a clear, non-carbonated beverage, any flavor. Try Gatorade or Powerade to maintain your electrolytes. If diabetic, try Gatorade G2 (has ½ the amount of sugar). This is to mix with the MiraLax powder.
- Purchase two (2) Dulcolax laxative tablets. This does not require a prescription.
- Any hemorrhoid ointment for anal discomfort (if needed). This does not require a prescription.
THREE DAYS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
- No seeds, nuts, popcorn or peels from fruits and vegetables.
ONE DAY BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
- You may choose only one of the following: 2 eggs, 1 yogurt (any kind), or 1 ensure for breakfast. You may choose only one from the same list for lunch also, then clear liquids only for the remainder of the day.
- You cannot have milk or orange juice for the entire day.
- Drink as much as you can to prevent dehydration. You may have bouillon, broth, black coffee (sugar is okay), tea, juice (apple is best), lemonade, any soda, water, Popsicles and Jell-O. Red, purple or orange colored Jell-O, juice or soda may make bowel movements appear red, similar to blood, but don’t be alarmed.
- You may have clear candy (such as Lifesavers, Jolly Ranchers).
- You should not take oral diabetic pills on this day.
Timing for preparation (Day before the colonoscopy)
- In the morning, mix the 238 gram bottle of MiraLax into 32 oz. clear liquid you purchased plus 32 oz. of water to this solution (this will equal 64 oz). Be sure that the MiraLax is completely dissolved and refrigerated.
- At 12:00 noon, take the 2 Dulcolax tablets.
- At 5:00 pm, begin to drink the MiraLax solution. Drink 8 ounces of MiraLax every 15 to 20 minutes for a total of 4 doses.
- *At 9:00 pm, drink the remainder of the MiraLax solution, 8 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes until gone. *Unless your arrival time is scheduled after 11:00 am, then drink the remainder of the MiraLax before 6:00 am the morning of the procedure and not at 9 pm the night before.
- Have nothing by mouth after midnight, including water if your appointment is early in the morning.
DAY OF PROCEDURE
- Have nothing by mouth six hours before the procedure.
- Take your medication on the morning of the procedure with sips of water.
- Arrive at your scheduled appointment time.
- Bring a list of your medications, insurance cards and photo ID.
- After the procedure you must have a responsible adult drive you home. Taking a cab is not an option. You will be at the endoscopy center for about 2 hours.
- You may not drive or work until the next day.
QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS
- Daytime phone number is (314) 997-0554.
- After hours number is (314) 388-6578.
- internet website address is www.Gidoctor.net
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SEDATION
Intravenous sedatives used for endoscopic procedures include Fentanyl and Propofol. These medications provide amnesia and pain relief. You are breathing on your own. It is not considered general anesthesia. The only reasons not to receive Propofol are pregnancy, egg allergy and soy allergy.
