Getting ready

Your colon needs to be completely empty so the doctor can see the lining clearly. A poor prep can hide polyps and may mean doing the colonoscopy again. Always follow the instructions from your own doctor. They come first if anything here is different.

A week or so before

• Arrange your driver. An adult who can take you home and stay nearby.
• Check your medicines with your doctor, especially blood thinners, insulin and other diabetes medicines, weight-loss injections, and iron pills. Don't stop anything on your own.
• Get your supplies: the prep your doctor prescribed, clear drinks you like, soft toilet paper or wipes, and a soothing cream.

The days before

Many practices ask you to eat low-fiber foods for a day or more before. That usually means avoiding seeds, nuts, popcorn, whole grains, and raw fruit and vegetables. Your sheet will say when to start.

The day before and the morning of

Most practices use a split prep: half the evening before and half on the morning of the procedure.

1. The day beforeClear liquids only, as your sheet says. Water, clear broth, apple or white grape juice, clear sports drinks, plain gelatin, tea or coffee with no milk. Nothing red or purple, no milk, no alcohol.
2. EveningDrink the first half of your prep at the time on your sheet. Stay near a bathroom.
3. Morning ofDrink the second half, usually 4 to 6 hours before your appointment.
4. Before you leaveStop drinking at the time your sheet gives, usually at least 2 hours before. Bring your driver, a list of your medicines and your insurance card.

Tips that help

• Chill the prep and drink it through a straw.
• Follow each glass with a clear drink you like.
• Walk around between glasses.
• If you feel sick, take a 30-minute break, then go on more slowly.

Is it working? By the end, what comes out should be clear or light yellow liquid, like urine. If it is still brown or has bits in it, or you can't finish the prep, call the practice doing your colonoscopy.

More prep questions →