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Purchase at the Pharmacy/Grocery Store:
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OsmoPrep 32 tablets (prescription from your doctor)
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Clear liquids: Gatorade, 7-up, broth, etc.
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Plain or aloe baby wipes (prevents a sore bottom)
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Desitin or A&D ointment (prevents a sore bottom)
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One Week Prior to the Procedure:
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Do not take iron pills, multivitamins, or vitamin E. Do not take medications that may cause bleeding.
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Your doctor will let you know if you need to hold some medications prior to your procedure. These medications may include Coumadin, aspirin, Percodan, Plavix, Ticlid, anti-inflammatory medicines or Alka-Seltzer.
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Tylenol and other brands which contain Acetaminophen are safe to use prior to this procedure.
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One Day Before the Procedure:
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Have a clear liquid diet all day. It is very important that you drink as much fluid as you can throughout the day.
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OsmoPrep is taken in two parts, a few hours apart. Since most colonoscopies are scheduled in the morning, patients generally find it most convenient to take Part 1 in the afternoon and Part 2 prior to bed the day before the procedure. If your procedure is scheduled in the afternoon you may want to take Part 1 the evening before and Part 2 the morning of the procedure.
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For Morning Procedures:
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Take Part 1 the day before your procedure at 2:00 or 3:00 pm. Starting at the top of the hour, take 4 tablets of OsmoPrep with 8 oz. of clear liquid every 15 minutes for a total of 20 tablets.
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Take Part 2 the day before your procedure at 8:00 or 9:00 pm. Starting at the top of the hour, take 4 tablets of OsmoPrep with 8 oz. of clear liqued every 15 minutes for a total of 12 tablets.
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It is important to drink large amounts of clear liquid throughout the prep.
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For Afternoon Procedures:
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Take Part 1 the day before your procedure at 6:00 pm. Starting at the top of the hour, take 4 tablets of OsmoPrep with 8 oz. of clear liquid every 15 minutes for a total of 20 tablets.
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Take Part 2 the day of your procedure at 6:00 or 7:00 am. Starting at the top of the hour, take 4 tablets of OsmoPrep with 8 oz. of clear liqued every 15 minutes for a total of 12 tablets.
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It is important to drink large amounts of clear liquid throughout the prep.
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Day of Procedure:
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Do not eat or drink anything that day (afternoon procedures may have clear liquids until 8:00 am).
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If you take medication, you may have it the morning of the procedure with a small amount of water. This means no more than a few small sips of water. Please take your high blood pressure and heart medications. You may brush your teeth.
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Arrive 30 minutes before your procedure is scheduled.
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You may want to leave your valuables at home (jewelry, watches, etc.) and limit makeup and fancy hairdos.
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Bring your driver's license and insurance card with you to the center.
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You must be accompanied by a friend or relative to drive you home. You may not drive yourself or go home in a taxi or bus. If this procedure is not followed your procedure may be cancelled.
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Commonly Asked Questions:
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How do I know if my prep is adequate?
The stool should be watery in consistency. It does not have to be clear in color like water since digestive juices will continue to tint the stool yellow and small flecks of debris are not a problem as long as the stool is not thick.
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What side effects may I expect?
Since the prep works by flooding the intestinal tract with fluid, abdominal bloating and cramping may occur, as well as some nausea with vomiting. This is usually temporary. As the diarrhea develops, these symptoms will improve. Weakness can also occur, especially if you have not taken enough fluid with the prep, and can be remedied by increasing fluid intake.
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Will the prep interfere with my other medications?
Medications taken at least an hour before beginning the prep should be adequately absorbed, but thereafter they are likely to be washed away by the prep.
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