Please read and follow these directions for preparing yourself for your examination. We have suggested that you prepare yourself with a special fluid solution that does not require enemas. You have been provided a prescription for this medication. Your pharmacist can help you decide among the available flavors (citrus berry, lemon-lime, cherry or pineapple.) It is a large amount of fluid that must be ingested over the course of 4 to 6 hours. Do not follow the directions on the container, but follow the directions hereby being given to you.

Preface:

1. Avoid aspirin-containing medications for one week prior to the examination.
2. If you are taking coumadin you must notify the office.
3. If you are on medications, speak with the office for specific instructions. This is especially true if you are a diabetic or heart patient.
4. Do not take iron pills or vitamins with iron for 1 week prior to the procedure.
5. Do not take any anti-diarrheal agent for 2 days prior to the procedure.

Preparation:

1. We recommend that two days prior to the procedure you take 1 bottle of Citrate of Magnesia several hours before you go to sleep but after you eat dinner.
2. On the day prior to the examination you are to have only liquids. These include coffee, tea, juice, yogurt, milk, clear broth, water and Jell-O (not red or purple).
3. Prepare the solution. Shake well to dissolve the powder. Do not add anything to the solution such as sweeteners. These substances may prevent the solution from working and be dangerous to your health. Do not refrigerate the solution. It should be taken at room temperature to prevent from chilling your body.
4. At 5:30PM take the tablet of Reglan (metochopromide). This should help prevent nausea.
5. Do not eat or drink between 4 PM and 6PM on the day prior to the examination. At 6PM begin drinking the cleansing solution. An 8-ounce glass should be taken every 10 to 20 minutes until the SOLUTION IS CONSUMED. You may stop drinking the solution after 2/3 to3/4 of the container is taken ONLY IF your bowel movement is clear without particles. The stool should be clear yellow liquid. If you become nauseated, you should stop drinking the solution and wait until the sensation subsides and then restart.

As stated before it is imperative that someone accompanies you home. We will NOT be allowed to perform your colonoscopy if you have not arranged this.

Remember, do NOT eat or drink anything after midnight the day of your procedure unless specifically instructed to by your physician, such as blood pressure or diabetic medications or if you have an afternoon appointment.