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How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy in NJ
There are several methods of preparation for a colonoscopy. If your physician at Digestive Healthcare Center advises you to follow the Half Lytely bowel prep method, please review the following instructions so that the procedure can be completed as accurately as possible. If you have any questions about how to prepare for your colonoscopy, please contact our office.
How to Prepare for Colonoscopy
Purchase at the Pharmacy
Half Lytely Preparation Kit (prescription from your doctor)
One Week Prior to the Procedure
- DO NOT take iron pills or medications that may cause bleeding. These mediations include: Plavix, Coumadin, Aspirin, Percodan, Alka-Selzer, Ecotrin, Bufferin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Naprosyn, Naproxen, Sulindac, Piroxicam, Indomethacin, Indocin, Diclofenac and Voltaren.
- TYLENOL or ACETAMINOPHEN is safe to take prior to the procedure.
One Day before the Procedure
- Morning: Mix Half Lytely according to instructions & refrigerate
- Have only a clear liquid diet throughout the day. NO SOLID FOODS. Avoid liquids that are red or purple as well as dairy products or liquids that you cannot see through such as orange or tomato juice.
- Examples of clear liquids:
- Soup broth
- Clear juices (white grape, apple, white cranberry)
- Lemon or lime jellos
- Sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade, Propel) (no red)
- Popsicles (no red)
- Italian ices (no red)
- Water
- Coffee / Tea without milk
- Iced tea
- At 3:00 pm – Take all (2) Biscodyl Tablets with water. DO NOT CRUSH OR CHEW. Do not take Biscodyl within one hour of taking antacid.
- At 6:00 pm – Begin drinking Half Lytely. Drink one 8 oz glass every 15 minutes. It is best to drink the whole glass rapidly, rather than sipping slowly. Continue drinking until the bottle is empty. If you develop cramping, bloating or nausea while drinking the preparation, you should stop drinking and relax for about a half an hour. Then you can resume drinking the solution. The diarrhea will usually continue for several hours after completing the bowel preparation. You can continue to drink clear liquids until midnight.
The Day of Your Colonoscopy
- Continue clear liquids until 4 hours before your procedure.
- You may take your vital medications with a small sip of water.
- You may brush your teeth.
- Please arrive for your procedure at least a half an hour prior to your procedure time.
- Please make sure you have arranged ahead of time for a responsible adult (age 18 or over) to drive you home after the procedure.
- If you are a diabetic, to avoid dangerously low blood sugar, please do not take your oral medications for your diabetes or your insulin on the morning of your procedure. You can resume your diabetes medications after the procedure, once you have eaten. If you are taking insulin it is always a good idea to check with your endocrinologist or primary doctor as to the best way to manage your blood sugars. Please bring your insulin with you. If you are unsure about taking any medication, please call us.
- If you are taking coumadin, plavix, or aspirin, it may need to be stopped prior to your procedure. Please ask your doctor. These medications are usually stopped several days before your procedure.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing such as a sweat suit. No metal should be worn including underwire bras or zippers. Leave all jewelry at home including belly rings & tongue piercings.
- If you are a smoker, it is advised that you do not smoke at least 6 hours before the procedure.
After Your Colonoscopy
- You must arrange for a responsible adult (18 or over) to drive you home. Going home in a taxi is not allowed.
- The effects of the anesthesia can persist for 24 hours. After receiving the sedation, you must exercise extreme caution before engaging in any activity that could be harmful to yourself or others (such as driving a car). Do not make any important decisions and do not drink any alcoholic beverages during this time period.
- Take only the medication that is prescribed by your doctor.
- After your procedure, you may have anything you’d like to eat or drink. You will probably want to start with something light. Please include plenty of fluids. Avoid items that cause gas such as sodas and salads.
- If your procedure required the placement of a metal clip, you cannot have an MRI for 30 days.
Recent Blogs
Learn more about all things digestive health and wellness by checking out our recent gastroenterology blogs.
To all our valued patients at Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center Your health and safety are important to us. To help protect patients and staff, we have designated Digestive Healthcare Center and Central Jersey Ambulatory Surgical Center as a Patient and Staff “SAFE ZONE.” Our SAFE ZONE is defined by the safety […]
What is Colorectal Cancer? At Digestive Healthcare Center, our team of expert gastroenterologists strives to ensure that patients have all the information they need to promote long term digestive health. In the case of certain gastroenterological conditions such as colorectal cancer, screening is incredibly important. Colorectal cancer starts in the colon (large intestine) or rectum. […]
What is Gastroparesis? At Digestive Healthcare Center, we want to ensure that patients have information about an array of digestive health conditions, to promote positive gastrointestinal health year-round. One such condition is gastroparesis, which is a digestive condition that affects the motility of the muscles in your stomach. Normally, after you swallow, the muscles within […]
Diagnostic and Screening Colonoscopy at Digestive Healthcare Center
If you have scheduled a colonoscopy with Digestive Healthcare Center, our team will ensure that you fully understand how to prepare for the procedure. We are proud to provide the highest quality gastroenterology care to our patients throughout New Jersey so you can live a healthier life. To learn more about the procedures and tests we offer or to schedule an appointment at one of our three gastroenterology centers in NJ, please contact us today.
