Prep Instructions
Your step-by-step preparation guide
The quality of your prep directly affects what your doctor can see. A clean colon means a thorough exam, fewer missed polyps, and less chance of needing to repeat the procedure.
My Procedure Countdown
Enter your procedure date to get a personalized prep timeline
Enter your procedure date above to see your personalized prep timeline
One week out
One week out checklist
0/4Three days out
Three days out checklist
0/3The day before
The day before checklist
0/5Procedure day
Procedure day checklist
0/6What counts as a clear liquid?
OK to have
- Water
- Clear broth (chicken, beef, vegetable)
- Apple juice (no pulp)
- White cranberry juice
- Ginger ale, Sprite, 7-Up
- Clear sports drinks (Gatorade — not red/purple)
- Black coffee or tea (no milk or cream)
- Jello (not red or purple)
- Popsicles (not red or purple)
- Hard candies
Avoid
- Milk or cream
- Orange juice or any juice with pulp
- Red or purple drinks of any kind
- Alcohol
- Smoothies or protein shakes
- Anything you can't see through
Medications to discuss with your doctor
Important: Always confirm medication changes with your doctor. Never stop or change medications on your own.
Blood thinners (Warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto)
Your doctor will tell you when to stop — usually 3-7 days before
Diabetes medications (insulin, metformin)
Doses may need adjustment since you'll be fasting
Iron supplements
Stop 7 days before your procedure
Anti-inflammatory drugs (Aspirin, Ibuprofen)
Ask your doctor — low-dose ASA is usually continued