Prep questions
Common prep questions
Short answers. Your own instruction sheet always comes first.
What counts as a clear liquid?
Anything you can see through at room temperature: water, clear broth, apple or white grape juice, clear sports drinks, plain gelatin, ice pops, and tea or black coffee. Nothing red or purple, no milk or creamer, no alcohol.
Can I have gelatin or ice pops?
Yes, on your clear-liquid day, as long as they are not red or purple. Yellow, green and orange are fine.
Can I drink coffee?
Yes, black coffee or tea with no milk or creamer, until the time your sheet says to stop drinking.
I take a weight-loss or diabetes injection. What should I do?
Tell the doctor doing your colonoscopy as early as you can. These medicines slow digestion, so you may be asked to start clear liquids earlier or change your timing. Don't stop any medicine on your own.
I feel sick, or I threw up some of the prep.
Take a 30-minute break, then drink more slowly. If you keep vomiting or can't finish the prep, call the practice. They may change your plan.
How do I know the prep is 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, call the practice.
When do I have to stop drinking?
Your sheet gives the exact time, usually at least 2 hours before your appointment. This keeps sedation safe.
Can I take my usual medicines?
Most, yes. Check first about blood thinners, insulin and other diabetes medicines, weight-loss injections, and iron pills.
My bottom is sore. What helps?
Use soft toilet paper or wipes, pat rather than rub, and apply a barrier cream such as zinc oxide or petroleum jelly early.