Colonoscopy
Bowel Prep Instructions/Colonoscopy (Magnesium Citrate)
Do not take any products containing Aspirin for 7 days prior to your surgery. If you are on blood thinners such as Plavix (Clopidogrel) or Coumadin (Warfarin) or one of the newer alternatives, please let Dr. Aquino know so you may be given special instructions. If you are unsure whether or not to take a particular medication, please ask.
Do not take any diet medications or recreational drugs for two weeks before your colonoscopy.
We have 2 sets of instructions. Follow the one you have been given and ignore the other.
- Colonoscopy preparation (Magnesium Citrate):
a. 3 bottles of Magnesium Citrate (300cc or 10 oz. each)
b. 2 Dulcolax tablets
c. 1 Fleet Enema (green and white box)
The day before colonoscopy:
White bread toast and butter with plain eggs for breakfast. Clear liquid diet for the rest of the day before surgery and until 2 hours before your procedure. Avoid liquids and jello with red coloring as the residue from these may be mistaken for blood at the time of the examination. It is important not to let yourself get dehydrated during this period, so drink at least a glass of clear juice/water every hour during the prep.
At noon the day before the exam take the 2 Dulcolax tablets.
At 2:00 PM, drink the contents (300cc) of the first bottle of Magnesium Citrate followed by a glass of clear juice/water. Repeat this at 6:00PM. You may mix the Magnesium Citrate with an equal amount of chilled ginger ale to make it more palatable. Drink the contents slowly over 30 minutes.
If you normally tend to be very constipated, you may need an additional half or full bottle of Magnesium Citrate 2 hours after the second one to fully clean you out. You will know this if your bowel movements still have a lot of solid content.
TIP: Using A&D ointment, Vaseline or diaper rash ointment between bowel movements will help prevent anal irritation. You may also use baby wipes in place of toilet tissue.
On the morning of the procedure:
Drink the third bottle of Magnesium Citrate at 5:00AM.
Administer the Fleet enema (rectally) 60 minutes before leaving your home or hotel.
You may brush your teeth in the morning and take your usual medication with a sip of water. No liquids within 2 hours of your procedure.
Report to the center where your colonoscopy is scheduled about 30 minutes before start time.
Make arrangements to be driven home after your colonoscopy.
