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MIRALAX/GATORADE SPLIT DOSE PREPARATION FOR COLONOSCOPY

 

PURCHASE AT THE PHARMACY:

• 4 Dulcolax (bisacodyl) tablets

• 238 gram bottle of Miralax (non prescription)

• 64 ounces of Gatorade, any flavor except red ones (e.g. X-factor)

FIVE DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE:

• Stop all anti-inflammatory medications including aspirin, ibuprofen, motrin, aleve, naproxyn, naprosyn, sulindac, piroxicam, feldene, indomethacin, diclofenac, and voltaren. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is safe to use in place of the above medications unless otherwise instructed.

• If you are taking coumadin, plavix (clopidogrel) or other blood thinners please contact our office to determine if and when you need to stop these medications

• Stop all fiber supplements including Metamucil, Citrucel, Benefiber, FiberChoice and flax seeds

• If you are diabetic and use insulin, please contact our office for insulin instructions

• PLEASE call our office if you have any questions about which medications you should or should not take

ONE DAY PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE:

• Take only clear liquids by mouth. This includes clear juices (apple, grape, strained orange, strained lemonade), tea, coffee (no milk or creamer), soft drinks, sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade), clear broth or bouillon, jello, Popsicles

• Avoid red drinks, red jello, and dairy products

• Consume large amounts of fluids to avoid hunger and dehydration

• At 10:00am take two (2) Dulcolax tablets – you may experience cramps and stools after ingestion

• At 3:00 pm take another two (2) Dulcolax tablets – you may experience cramps and stools after ingestion

• At 5:00 pm mix the full bottle of Miralax into 64 ounces of Gatorade. Shake until completely dissolved.

• Drink the first half (32 oz) starting at 5:00 pm. You will drink FOUR 8 ounce glasses of mixture. Take one 8oz glass every 10-15 minutes until you've finished the first half. This will induce stools.

THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE:

• Drink the second half starting 4 hours before your exam's scheduled time (eg if your appointment is at 8am, you should start at 4am. If it is at 1pm you should start at 9am). You must finish the second half within 2 hours of starting, so that your stomach is empty for your exam.

• You may continue to drink clear liquids until 2 hours prior to your procedure

• DO NOT take anything by mouth for 2 hours prior to your procedure except medications (see below)

• Take your usual prescribed medications with small sips of water. If you are on anti-inflammatory medications or blood thinners please see instructions above.

• Please bring a list of your current medications and correct dosage to your appointment

• NO DRIVING – you cannot drive, use a taxi or a bus after the procedure. You must have someone present to drive you home after the procedure or we may cancel your procedure.