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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 Magnesium Citrate bowel prep method, please review the following instructions so that the procedure can be completed as accurately as possible. Please contact our office with any questions you may have about how to prepare.
How to Prepare for Colonoscopy
Before You Begin
- Buy two bottles of MAGNESIUM CITRATE (NO RED) and 4 DULCOLAX TABLETS over the counter at the pharmacy.
One Week Prior to the Procedure
- Do not take iron pills. Your doctor will let you know if you have to hold any medication. These may include: Plavix, Coumadian, Aspirin, Percodan. TYLENOL or ACETAMINOPHEN is safe to take prior to the procedure.
Day Before Procedure
- You are on a CLEAR LIQUID DIET ALL DAY.
- Drink abundant fluids to avoid dehydration and to help flush the colon.
- Your total fluids in-take should be at least 200 ounces.
- Examples of Clear Liquids:
- Water
- Gatorade (not red)
- Ginger ale, Seltzer, 7Up
- Apple Juice (clear), white grape
- Coffee/Tea without milk
- Iced tea
- Clear broth
- Jello, popsicles, or Italian Ice (no red)
- NO ALCOHOL
- At 5PM – Take 4 dulcolax tablets with an 8 ounce glass of water. Continue with clear liquids to help flush out colon.
- At 8PM – Take 1st bottle of magnesium citrate. Continue clear liquids.
The Day of Your Colonoscopy
- Morning: 4AM – Take 2nd bottle of magnesium citrate.
- Continue clear liquids until 4 hours before your procedure. At this point, you must stop all liquids, including water, gum, candy, mints, and cough drops.
- 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 medications, please call us.
- If you are taking coumadin, plavix, or aspirin, they 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
There are several ways to prepare for your colonoscopy – your physician at Digestive Healthcare Center will determine the best preparation method for you. Whether you are looking for relief from a specific condition or are experiencing concerning symptoms, our team will craft a personalized treatment plan for you. Please contact us today to learn more about our GI services in NJ or to schedule your appointment.
