Preparation Instructions for Capsule Endoscopy

Select your language:

Download this information as a PDF

The day you schedule your appointment

  • 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.

Seven Days Before Your Appointment

  • If you are taking Iron pills (e.g. Ferrous sulfate), stop taking them until after the test.
  • Take all of your other usual medications

Two Days Before Your Appointment

  • Drink plenty of liquids - at least 8 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.

The Day Before Your Appointment

  • DO NOT EAT ANY SOLID FOOD OR THICK LIQUIDS AFTER 12 PM NOON.
  • YOU MAY HAVE A CLEAR LIQUID DIET ONLY
  • Examples of CLEAR LIQUIDS are: water, apple juice, clear broth, Jell-O, tea/coffee without

    milk/cream, sodas, sports drinks, and popsicles, but nothing red colored.

The Day of Your Appointment

  • 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.