Larissa K. F. Temple, M.D., Chief of the Division of Colorectal Surgery

Jenny R. Speranza, M.D.

Christina Cellini, M.D.

Fergal J. Fleming, M.D.

Irfan Rizvi, M.D.

Office: (585) 273-2727

FAX: (585) 276-2203

Pre-Screening: (585) 242-1263

Colonoscopy Extended Prep Instructions

To have a successful colonoscopy, your bowel must be empty so that your physician can clearly view your colon. To do this, it is very important to read these instructions at least two weeks before your procedure and follow the steps exactly. Failure to do so may lead to the cancellation of your colonoscopy.

Before your procedure, a nurse will call you to review your health history and medications. If you have any additional questions, please call our office at

(585) 273-2727, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Please Note:

  • The time of your procedure may change, we ask you to be as flexible as possible.
  • An adult must drive you home from your colonoscopy. If you plan to take the bus or a cab, an adult must accompany you.
  • You will not be able to work or drive until the day after your procedure.
  • If you have a pacemaker, pacemaker/defibrillator, chronic constipation or are on dialysis, please call our office at (585) 273-2727 for additional instructions.

If You Take Any of the Following Medications:

Blood thinners – Medications such as Coumadin® (Warfarin), Plavix® (Clopidogrel), Ticlid® (Ticlopidine Hydrochloride), Agrylin® (Anagrelide) and/or Aspirin must be stopped five (5) days prior to your colonoscopy. Please call the doctor who ordered the medication to be sure this is possible.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) – Please do not take anyNSAIDS such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aspirin and/or Ketorolac for five (5) days before your procedure.

Diabetic Patients:

Pills – Take ½ of your usual dose the day before and hold on the morning of your procedure.

Insulin – Please stopyour regular insulin the day before and day of your colonoscopy. Continue your normal dose of Long-Acting insulin the day before and day of your procedure.

Insulin Pumps – Dosage will depend on the recommendation provided by the doctor who ordered this medication for you.

Please test your blood glucose often!

Please Purchase the Following Preparation Medications:

  • One Miralax 238 gram bottle (Generic name: Polyethylene Glycol)
  • One package of Dulcolax® LAXATIVE tablets (Generic name: Bisacodyl)

Four (4) tablets are needed

  • Two 32 ounce bottles of Gatorade or low sugar alternative G2

(No red or purple)

  • One 10 fluid ounce bottle of Magnesium Citrate

Preparing for Your Colonoscopy

Please remember that you must follow the prep instructions exactly as they are written to allow your doctor to perform your colonoscopy properly. Again, failure to follow the instructions may lead to cancellation of your procedure. You will need to prepare for your colonoscopy four days in advance.

The Fourth and Third Day Before Your Procedure:

  • Please stop taking any iron and/or fiber supplements.
  • Be sure to avoid all:

- Whole grain products (wheat, oatmeal, etc.)

- Fruit skins

- Vegetables (except potatoes)

Two Days Before Your Colonoscopy:

  • You will be on a clear liquid diet the entire day (see following examples of clear liquids). Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Starting at 2:00 p.m., drink the 10-ounce bottle of Magnesium Citrate slowly, over the course of four hours. Be sure to drink at least five

eight-ounce glasses of clear caffeine-free beverages during this time.

One Day Before Your Colonoscopy:

  • You will also be on a clear liquid diet for this entire day. Again, be sure to drink plenty of clear fluids.
  • At 4:00 p.m., take all four Dulcolax tablets with water and continue drinking clear fluids.

Please Note That if Your Procedure Is in the Morning (8:30 to 11:45 a.m.):

1.Mix the contents of Miralax with both 32-ounce bottles of Gatorade and shake until the mixture is dissolved completely. It is helpful to chill the prep in the refrigerator the day before your procedure.

2.At 6:00 p.m. the day before your procedure, begin drinking the Miralax/Gatorade mixture. Drink eight ounces every 15 minutes until all of the mixture (two bottles) is finished.

If Your Procedure Is in the Afternoon (12:00 to 4:30 p.m.):

  1. Mix half the contents of Miralax with one 32-ounce bottle of Gatorade the day before your procedure and shake until dissolved completely.
  • At 6:00 p.m. the day before your procedure, begin drinking the Miralax/Gatorade mixture.
  • Drink eight ounces every 15 minutes until one 32-ounce bottle of mixture is finished.
  • At 7:00 a.m. (day of your procedure),mix the remaining contents of Miralax with the second bottle of Gatorade and drink eight ounces every 15 minutes until finished.

On the Day of Your Procedure:

Remember, you cannot eat or drink anything, including water, two hours prior to your appointment.

Please note that flushable moist wipes can help with the soreness from frequent bowel movements.

Examples of a Clear Liquid Diet

You May Have:

  • Black coffee and/or tea – sugar is okay, no milk or creamer
  • Chicken and/or beef broth (without food particles)
  • Clear juice such as apple, white cranberry, white grape
  • Clear soda such as Ginger Ale, Sprite, 7-Up
  • Gatorade and/or Powerade®(no red or purple)
  • Jell-O®(no red or purple)
  • Kool-Aid (no red or purple)
  • Lemonade (no pulp)
  • Popsicles
  • Vitamin water (no red or purple)

You Cannot Have:

  • Alcohol
  • Cream soups
  • Fruit juice with pulp
  • Fudgsicles®
  • Grape, grapefruit or orange juice
  • Milk or milk products
  • Red, green or dark soda
  • Solid foods
  • Yogurt or pudding

Important Things to Know Following Your Procedure:

A colonoscopy is generally a safe procedure; however, there is a small chance of developing complications that may not be identified for up to one week or more after your procedure.

You will be provided with detailed discharge instructions, but please notify your doctor if you develop a fever, have severe abdominal pain or experience any unusual symptoms following your colonoscopy.

A copy of your colonoscopy report will be sent to your primary care or referring physician.

Other Helpful Information:

  • Prior to your procedure, please remove and leave all jewelry at home. Also leave all valuables at home.
  • Please bring your photo ID and insurance card with you.
  • Plan on being at the Surgery Center for at least three hours.
  • We strongly encourage the adult who will be your ride home to remain onsite for the length of your procedure.
  • Please do not plan on traveling for at least 48 hours following your procedure.

Again, please feel free to contact our office at (585) 273-2727 with any questions – we’re always here to help!

Location for Your Procedure: