Preparation Instructions for Capsule Endoscopy

Gastroenterology

Plan time off of work for the day of your colonoscopy.
You MUST have an escort to come into the hospital and take you home after the colonoscopy. Please start making these arrangements.

Fill your prescription for the laxative. If you don’t have the prescription, call our patient navigators at 617-414-2600.
Stop taking iron pills. Multi-vitamins can be continued.

Please ignore all other bowel preparation instructions from any other sources including pharmacists, medicine package inserts, friends/relative and the internet.
Drink at least eight glasses of water/fluids today.
STOP eating high fiber foods such as vegetables and beans until after your test. You can eat all other types of foods today.

ALL DAY TODAY FOLLOW A STRICT CLEAR LIQUID DIET. DO NOT EAT ANY FOOD OR THICK LIQUIDS AT ALL! Examples of clear liquids are water, apple juice, broth (NOT SOUP WITH THINGS IN IT) Jell-O, tea/coffee without milk/cream, sodas, sports drinks, and popsicles, but nothing red colored.
At 6 p.m., place the mixed laxative solution inside of the fridge to cool. Do not use ice cubes.
At 8 p.m., drink half of the laxative solution – one cup every 10-15 minutes
Plan time off of work for the day of your colonoscopy.

Do not eat or drink anything on the morning of your procedure.
Dress in loose fitting, two-piece clothing
If you have diabetes: Take half the dose of your insulin on the day of procedure and skip diabetes pill(s) unless directed otherwise. You should check your blood sugar level in the morning.
Take all of your other regular medications at least two hours prior to your test.

If you cannot keep this appointment or have questions, please call 617-638-6525.