410 20th St, Ste 101, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Main (970) 230-9623 · Fax (970) 930-6135 · www.roaringforkgi.com

Miralax Preparation for Colonoscopy – Morning Procedure

Colonoscopy is a visual examination of the colon (lower intestinal tract), using a lighted, and flexible fiberoptic endoscope. You are sedated for this procedure. In order to achieve an accurate evaluation of your lower intestinal tract, it is important that you properly prepare for the procedure. Doctors are able to obtain the clearest view of the colon when it is flushed completely free of waste material. The thoroughness of this cleaning depends on you. Without your cooperation, the examination cannot accomplish its purpose and may have to be repeated.

If you are taking anticoagulants or blood thinners, please contact us for instructions regarding their use prior to your procedure. In most circumstances, these medications are temporarily discontinued prior to your procedure.

If you have any questions or need to reschedule or cancel your procedure, please call (970) 230-9623.

Supplies

1.  64 oz. bottle of Gatorade. Note: Do not select Gatorade that is red, pink, purple or dark blue in color.

2.  238 gm bottle of Miralax. You may purchase this over the counter at a grocery or drug store.

3.  2 Bisacodyl 10mg tablets (i.e. Ducolax). You may purchase this over the counter at the grocery or drug store.

3-5 days before the Procedure

1.  Stop taking any iron tablets or multivitamins containing iron.

2.  Stop consuming any foods that contain seeds or nuts. These foods take longer to pass through the bowel and should be avoided. Please see the Low Residue Diet for complete instructions. Daily fiber intake goal of ~10 grams daily.

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The Day before the Procedure

1.  You will need to follow a clear liquid diet for the entire day. Please avoid drinking any red/purple colored liquids. Clear liquids include the following: water, strained fruit juices (no pulp), coffee or tea without milk/creamer, clear bullion or broth, carbonated or non-carbonated soft drinks, Kool-aid, plain Jell-o, Popsicles and Gatorade. No milk products. No vegetables. No breads or grains. No meats. ***IF YOU ARE AN INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETIC YOU MAY HAVE A LIGHT BREAKFAST i.e.: eggs, white toast, plain bagel. NO NUTS, RAISINS OR FRUIT.***

2.  Take regularly prescribed medications (except for anticoagulants or blood thinners).

3.  Take both Bisacodyl tablets at 8 a.m.

4.  Mix 64 oz. of Gatorade with 238 gm of Miralax. Refrigerate.

5.  Between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m., begin drinking the Miralax/Gatorade mixture. Drink an 8 oz glass every 10 to 15 minutes until half of the mixture is consumed, it will be about 4 glasses. It is best to drink the whole glass rapidly. Drink the solution within 2 hours. Note: It is normal to feel very full or bloated during your prep. Some people may also experience nausea and vomiting. If this occurs, simply wait 30 minutes and resume drinking. If the vomiting resumes, please call our office at (970) 230-9623. Bowel movements should occur within three hours of beginning the prep.

On the Day of the Procedure

1.  Do not have anything to eat. You may have clear liquids until 4 hours before the procedure. Do not take ANYTHING by mouth starting 4 hours before your procedure. Chewing gum, candy or chewing tobacco are also NOT allowed.

2.  5 hours before your procedure time drink the second half of the Miralax/Gatorade mixture. Drink 8 oz glass every 10 to 15 minutes until complete. We are aware of the inconvenience, but the two-stage prep provides a superior cleansing of the colon. You must finish the prep and all clear liquids 4 hours before your scheduled procedure time.

3.  If you take prescribed medications for your heart or blood pressure, please do so at 6:00 a.m. with a sip of water.

4.  If you are a diabetic:

  1. DO NOT take your diabetic medications the morning of your procedure.
  2. If you normally monitor your blood sugars at home, please check as you normally would.
  3. If your blood sugar is over 200 or below 90, please contact our office at 970-230-9623 for instructions.

5.  A driver must come with you in order to drive you home after the procedure. You will be sedated for your endoscopy. We will not be able to perform your procedure if you do not have a driver. You may not drive or work for 12 hours after your procedure.

Jason M. Collins, MD Colleen Farnum, P.A.-C