Preparing for your colonoscopy (MiraLAX)

  • Arrange for transportation to and from your procedure. You will not be allowed to drive or walk yourself home.
  • Be sure to take all medication and solution as instructed.
  • It is important to drink extra clear liquids before beginning your prep, as well as after your procedure to avoid dehydration.

Purchase from a pharmacy

  • 4 Dulcolax (bisacodyl) 5mg tablets
  • One bottle (238-gram) of MiraLAX® (polyethylene glycol 3350)
  • 64 ounces of any clear liquid of your choice (no red or purple)

One week prior to your procedure (special medication instructions)

  • Stop iron and fish oil supplements. Multivitamins that contain iron are okay to continue.
  • Diabetic medications should be managed by your primary care provider. This includes oral medications as well as insulin.
  • Contact your provider if you are taking blood-thinning medications such as:
    • Coumadin (warfarin)
    • Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
    • Eliquis (apixaban)
    • Plavix (clopidogrel)
    • Lovenox (enoxaparin)
    • Pradaxa (dabigatran)
    • Heparin
  • Your family physician or cardiologist will provide guidance about when and if you can discontinue these medications prior to your procedure.

Two days prior to procedure

  • Mix the 238-gram bottle of MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350) in 64 ounces of clear liquid.
  • Shake the solution until the MiraLAX is dissolved and refrigerate.
  • This is recommended, but can mix day of prep.

One day prior to procedure

  • Drink clear liquids* only today, no solid foods.
    See list of clear liquids below.
  • Remain close to toilet facilities once you start the prep.
    • At 3pm, take 2 Dulcolax (bisacodyl) 5mg tablets with 8 ounces of clear liquids.
    • Beginning at 5pm, drink 64 ounces of the MiraLAX in your clear liquid solution.
    • Drink 8 ounces of the solution every 15 minutes until you have consumed all 64 ounces.
    • After completing the solution, take 2 Dulcolax (bisacodyl) 5mg tablets with 8 ounces
      of clear liquids.
  • Be sure to stay well-hydrated. Drink extra clear liquids, but none after midnight.
  • NOTHING TO DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT (Remember, no food all day today.)
  • Note: Your prep results should be yellow/green/watery without any solid stool or brown in the toilet when you have a bowel movement.
    • Not having a clear prep prior to your procedure may result in needing an enema the
      day of your procedure or possible cancellation.

Day of procedure

  • Continue with nothing to eat or drink today until after your procedure.
  • You may take the following medications in the morning with a small sip of water:
    • blood pressure
    • seizure
    • anti-anxiety
    • thyroid medications

 

*Clear liquid diet

When on a clear liquid diet, avoid the following:

  • Any liquid that is either red or purple
  • Any alcohol

You may drink or eat any of the following:

  • Water
  • Tea
  • Plain coffee (no cream)
  • Clear juices such as apple or white grape
  • Lemonade from a powdered mix
  • Fruit-flavored drinks such as Kool-Aid, Crystal Light, etc. (no red or purple)
  • Sports drinks such as Gatorade, All-Sport, Powerade, etc. (no red or purple)
  • Carbonated beverages or soda
  • Fat free broth, bouillon, consommé
  • Plain or flavored gelatins (avoid red and purple)
  • Fruit ices or Italian ices
  • Sorbet
  • Popsicles
  • Clear liquid nutritional supplements
  • Honey
  • Sugar
  • Hard candy (not red or purple)

A nurse will call you 1 to 2 days prior to your appointment with your arrival time.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact scheduling in the Welia Health Surgery department at 320.225.3416.