Instructions

Preparation

Miralax and Dulcolax Bowel Prepfor Colonoscopy

A bowel prep is done to clear the bowel of all solid matter. Its purpose is to prepare the bowel for surgery or a procedure. Please follow these instructions. Begin the bowel prep one day before your scheduled procedure.

To prepare:
  • Tell your doctor if you have diabetes or take blood thinners. You may need to stop some of your medicine a few days before your test.
  • Ask your doctor if you should take any of your medicines the morning of your test. If so, take with a few sips of water only.
  • One week before your test:
    • Do not take aspirin products or iron tablets.
    • Do not take fiber supplements like Metamucil, Citrucel, or Fiberall.
    • Do not eat popcorn or any corn.
  • You will need the following items from a pharmacy:
    • Miralax in large bottle (8.3 ounces or 238 grams)
    • 4 Dulcolax or bisacodyl tablets (5 milligram tablets)
    • **There may be store brands of these that cost less. Ask the pharmacist to help you find what you need.**
  • Buy a large 64-ounce bottle of sports drink such as Gatorade. If you have diabetes, buy a no or low calorie drink such as Crystal Light instead. This will be used to mix your Miralax the day before the test. DO NOT USE CARBONATED BEVERAGES.
  • Arrange to have an adult bring you to your appointment and take you home after your test.
On the day before your test:
  • Drink only clear liquids. Avoid all red or purple colored liquids. Do not eat any solid food or milk products until your test is done. Below are the clear liquids that you can take:
    • Water
    • Strained fruit juices (no pulp)
    • Popsicles
    • Ice
    • Soft drinks
    • Gatorade
    • Clear broth or bouillon
    • Jello
    • Kool Aid
    • Coffee or tea (no milk or cream)
  • Follow the schedule below for your bowel prep. You may need to get to the toilet right away. You will have many bowel movements through the day. They will become very watery. The bowels are clear or clean when there is only pale yellow fluid without flecks of stool.
    • 1:00 PM: Take 4 Dulcolax tablets with a drink of clear liquid.
    • 2:00 PM: Mix the Miralax in a 64-ounce bottle of Gatorade or other clear liquid of choice. Cap the bottle and shake the bottle to dissolve the powder. Most people prefer to drink the liquid chilled so you may want to place it in the refrigerator.
    • 4:00 PM: Start to drink the Miralax. Drink one glass every 10 to 15 minutes. Drink it quickly rather that sipping small amounts because it does not taste that good. Finish drinking the liquid in 2 hours. Be sure to drink all of the liquid.
    • 12:00 Midnight: Do not eat or drink anything after 12 Midnight. You may gargle but do not swallow any liquid. Do not smoke after 12 Midnight.
The morning of the colonoscopy:
  • Do not eat or drink anything until your test is done.
  • If you are to take your morning medicines, take with small sips of water only.
  • Bring all medicines you usually take (in the original containers) to the hospital or doctor's office with you.
  • You will need to have an adult with you to take you home after your test. You will not be able to leave by yourself and it will not be safe for you to drive because of the medicine you are given at the start of the test.
  • You may be told to arrive 1 hour before your test is scheduled so that staff can get you ready. Expect to be here for approximately 2 hours for your test and recovery time.
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