Colonoscopy Prep (Peg, GoLytely, Nulytely)
This is the most common type of prep for colonoscopy with Dr. Hassan.
If you are diabetic or require certain type of sedation/anesthesia called “MAC,” please contact us at (319) 398-6747 for further instructions.
Day of Colonoscopy
Please arrive at Mercy Digestive Health Center one hour prior to your procedure time. At that time, they will go over your history and put in an IV.
Park on Level 2 of the ramp on 8th Street and enter the building through the North Entrance.
IMPORTANT - Please Read These Instructions at Least 2 Weeks Before Your Colonoscopy
5 Days Prior to Colonoscopy
You doctor may have you hold certain medications prior to your procedure. Below are the most common medications. If you have questions regarding medications, please call us at (319) 398-6747.
Medication Instructions
If you are taking any blood thinners/anti-platelets, please inform the General Surgery office by calling (319) 398-6747 well in advance of your procedure in order to get instructions about whether to continue or discontinue the medication. Some examples are Warfarin, Coumadin, Xarelto, Lovenox, Pradaxa, Plavix, Effient, Aggrenox. Do not stop taking any medications without talking to your doctor.
- Do NOT take medications that stop diarrhea, such as Imodium, Kaopectate, or Pepto Bismol.
- Do NOT take fiber supplements, such as Metamucil, Citrucel, or Perdiem.
- Do NOT take products that contain iron, such as multi-vitamins.
- Do NOT take vitamin E or fish oil.
- Do not use Advil (Ibuprofen), Aleve (Naproxen), Relafen, Mobic, Motrin or other NSAIDS for five days prior to surgery, if possible. You may take Tylenol or a baby aspirin.
You will need to purchase the following:
- Your prescription for an oral bowel purge or preparation solution (Peg, GoLytely, Nulytely)
- You will need to purchase an over the counter laxative Dulcolax (4 tablets)
3 Days Prior to Colonoscopy
DO NOT EAT high-fiber foods such as fruits (fresh and dried), vegetable with skins, corn, nuts, seeds, popcorn, tomatoes, granola or health bars or wheat bread. See information sheet on low residue/fiber diet.
1 Day Prior to Colonoscopy
You may have a light breakfast before 9 a.m. After that, you are to have clear liquids only and are encouraged to drink at least 10 eight-ounce glasses throughout the day. We do not consider coffee a clear liquid.
Clear liquids include:
- water
- apple or white grape juice
- broth
- tea (without milk or creamer)
- clear carbonated beverages such as ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
- Gatorade or other sports drinks (not red)
- Kool-Aid or other flavored drinks (not red)
- plain Jell-o or other gelatins (not red), without fruit in them
- popsicles (not red)
Do not drink alcohol on the day before or the day of the procedure.
Evening Prior to Colonoscopy
At 3 p.m. the day prior to the procedure: Take two Dulcolax tablets. Then, 10 minutes later, take two more Dulcolax tablets for a total of four. Take each dose with an eight-ounce glass of water. Dulcolax is an over-the-counter medication; no prescription is needed. Do not crush or chew them.
Colon prep solution preparation: Follow the instructions on the colon preparation solution packet for mixing with water. Shake well. You may add the flavor packet that came with the bowel preparation. DO NOT add ice, sugar or any flavorings to the solution. Drink this solution at room temperature.
At 6 p.m. the day prior to the colonoscopy: Began drinking colon preparation solution. Drink an eight-ounce glass every 5 to 10 minutes (for a total of about eight glasses or the whole total volume). It is best to drink the whole glass quickly rather than sipping small amounts continuously. When you have completed the eight glasses, or half of the prep, place the rest of the jug into refrigerator. You will be finishing the rest in the early morning.
Feelings of bloating are common after the first few glasses because of the large amount of fluid ingested. This is usually temporary and should disappear once bowel movements begin. If you experience nausea or cramping, stop drinking for 15 to 45 minutes. Try drinking warm broth or hard candy and then begin drinking again. Your stools should begin after the first 4-6 glasses. Continue drinking once the stools have begun. They should become more and more liquid and light in color.
Morning of Colonoscopy
Take the remaining colon preparation out of the refrigerator half an hour prior to drinking the second dose.
At 6 a.m. on the day of the colonoscopy: Began drinking the rest of the colon preparation solution as above and continue drinking until gone. The prep is not complete until the stools are clear to light yellow in color.
You may not have anything to eat or drink for four hours prior to your procedure except blood pressure and asthma medications.
Designated Driver on the Day of Your Exam
A responsible adult (family member or friend) MUST come with you to your colonoscopy and REMAIN in the endoscopy area until you are discharged! You are NOT ALLOWED to drive, take a taxi or bus, or leave the Endoscopy Center ALONE.
If you do not have a responsible adult (family member or friend) with you to take you home, your exam cannot be done with sedation and will be cancelled.
Please take necessary prescription medications such as blood pressure medications and asthma medications with a small amount of water in the morning off the colonoscopy.
If you use any inhalers, please bring them with you to the hospital.
Bring a list of medications and allergies with you and please leave your valuables at home.
If you experience any difficulty with your prep, call Mercy Endoscopy (Digestive Health) at (319) 398-6747 Monday through Friday during clinic hours.
