Valley Digestive Care
Gastroenterology
5401 Norris Canyon Rd. Suite 208 San Ramon, CA 94583
1022 Murrieta Blvd. Livermore, CA 94550
Phone: (925) 275-1811      Fax: (925) 275-1814        www.gidoctor.org

Colonoscopy Preparation Instructions

Colonoscopy is a procedure to examine colon (large intestine) with a flexible instrument.
Please follow these instructions to prepare for the procedure. Please be aware that if your bowel is not
clear, we may have to reschedule your procedure. Contact the office A.S.A.P if your bowels are not clear after completing the instructions.

How do I prepare for the colonoscopy?
7 days before the colonoscopy: DO NOT take ASPIRIN, PLAVIX, IRON, or TICLID
5 days before the colonoscopy: DO NOT take COUMADIN. Please inform us if you have an artificial heart valve or history of endocarditis
3 days before the colonoscopy: DO NOT take MOTRIN, ADVIL, IBUPROFEN, ALEVE, or NAPROXEN. Diabetic patients insulin or oral medications to be adjusted as per instructions
The day BEFORE the exam: 24 hours prior, take only CLEAR LIQUIDS. (Clear broth, water, tea, black coffee, juices, soda, jello, ice popsicles, strained lemonade, Gatorade) AVOID RED/ORANGE COLORED LIQUIDS. No solid foods, dairy products or Ensure.

appointments using Osmoprep -First Dose (20 tablets): Begin taking tablets at 6:00 pm. Take 1 glass of clear liquids with each dose. Bowel movements occur 1-2 hours after first dose.  Pills are taken at 15 minute intervals.					    	       
									        4 tablets at 6:00 pm	
4 tablets at 6:15 pm
4 tablets at 6:30 pm
4 tablets at 6:45 pm
4 tablets at 7:00 pm
Second Dose (12 tablets): Taken the day of procedure (to be completed 4 hours prior to procedure).  Actual time of the pills taken is dependent on time procedure is scheduled and may be completed earlier than the advised times. 
	4 tablets at 3:30 am
4 tablets at 3:45 am
4 tablets at 4:00 am
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK 4 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE!
If the movements are not clear, please take contact the physician.
The day of exam:	Take your medications especially blood pressure & heart medicines with sips of water.  
You MUST have somebody drive you home because you will be sedated or your procedure will be cancelled.
You can not go home in a Cab. Do NOT drive or operate any machines the day of the procedure.

What happens during the procedure?
•	A nurse/doctor will give you medicine to relax you & make you feel sleepy.
•	Your doctor will put air into the colon & this may feel like “gas pain”.
•	Your doctor may take a biopsy or remove a poiyp. This should not cause pain.
What happens after the procedure?
You will be taken to a recovery room where you will remain until you are awake. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please call our office at least a few days before the procedure. Please contact us if you have any questions about the procedure or the preparation. You may find detailed instructions on our website at www.gidoctor.org.