Patient Resources
Colonoscopy Prep Instructions
Proper preparation is essential for a successful colonoscopy. Follow this MiraLAX split prep timeline carefully to ensure your colon is clean for the procedure.
Download & Print
Get the complete prep instructions as a printable PDF.
Important
These are general guidelines. Dr. Earl or his team will provide you with specific prep instructions based on your medical history and the type of prep prescribed. Always follow the specific instructions given to you at your consultation.
7 Days Before
- • Stop taking Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Meloxicam, multivitamins with iron, iron supplements, and fish oil
- • If you take a GLP-1 medication (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, etc.), notify us — these may need to be paused before your procedure
- • If you take daily aspirin prescribed by your doctor, continue taking it until the day of your procedure
- • If you take aspirin on your own (self-prescribed), stop 7 days before your procedure
- • Arrange a driver (must be 18 or older) to accompany you and drive you home
3 Days Before
- • Stop eating corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, nuts, popcorn, and seeds
Day Before — Before 3 PM
Prepare your MiraLAX solution
Mix 1½ bottles of MiraLAX powder (238g) into 96oz of a sports drink (not red, purple, or berry). Shake well and refrigerate.
Follow a low residue diet until 3 PM:
Breakfast examples
- ✓ Milk
- ✓ Scrambled eggs
- ✓ Juice without pulp
- ✓ Plain yogurt
- ✓ Ripe bananas
- ✓ Corn flakes
Lunch examples
- ✓ White bread
- ✓ Creamy peanut butter
- ✓ Jelly without seeds
- ✓ Saltine crackers
- ✓ Smooth applesauce, canned peaches
- ✓ Plain yogurt, ripe bananas
DO NOT eat:
Grain breads, nuts, meats, chunky peanut butter, yogurt with fruit, chunky applesauce, vegetables, or any food not listed above
Drink plenty of clear fluids throughout the day.
Day Before — After 3 PM
Clear liquids only: sports drinks, apple juice, soda, water, jello without fruit, broth, white grape juice, black coffee, tea, popsicles — not red, purple, or berry.
- • After 3 PM: Take 2 Dulcolax tablets with 8oz of water
- • 4–5 PM: Drink 32oz of the MiraLAX solution (finish within 1 hour)
- • 7–8 PM: Drink another 32oz of the MiraLAX solution
- • Stay near a bathroom — the goal is diarrhea!
Day of Your Procedure
- • 5 hours before: Drink the final 32oz of MiraLAX solution (finish within 1 hour)
- • 4 hours before: Nothing by mouth — no food, water, gum, mints, or candy
- • If you have acid reflux, you may take 1–2 Pepcid AC up to 2 hours before with a small sip of water
- • If your stools are not clear/light yellow, or you can't see the bottom of the toilet, use a Fleet enema at home before coming in
- • Bring your photo ID and pacemaker/AICD card if applicable
- • Your adult driver (18+) must accompany you and remain on premises
After Your Procedure
- • You will be monitored in recovery until the sedation wears off (typically 30-60 minutes)
- • Dr. Earl will discuss initial findings with you before you leave
- • You may feel bloated or gassy — this is normal and will pass
- • Resume your normal diet as tolerated
- • Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours
- • Do not sign important legal documents for 24 hours
- • Biopsy results (if taken) will usually be available within a week
Shopping List
- • 96oz sports drink (not red, purple, or berry)
- • 2 bottles MiraLAX, 238g (8.3oz) each
- • 1 Fleet enema
- • 1 box Dulcolax tablets
- • 2 Pepcid AC tablets
Colon Cleansing Tips
- • Drink the solution chilled and through a straw
- • Walking helps move the solution through your colon
- • If your stomach feels full, slow down
- • For skin irritation or hemorrhoids: hydrocortisone cream, baby wipes, Vaseline, Preparation H, and Tucks are all permitted (avoid alcohol-based products)
Also Available
Upper Endoscopy (EGD) Prep
Much simpler than a colonoscopy — no bowel prep required.
Before Your Upper Endoscopy
- • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure
- • Take approved medications with a small sip of water at least 4 hours before
- • If you take blood thinners, ask Dr. Earl whether and when to stop
- • Arrange for someone to drive you home — you cannot drive after sedation
- • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- • Leave jewelry and valuables at home
Good news: Unlike a colonoscopy, an EGD does not require any bowel prep or special diet the day before. You simply fast before the procedure.
After Your EGD
- • You will be monitored until the sedation wears off (typically 30-60 minutes)
- • Dr. Earl will discuss initial findings with you before you leave
- • You may have a mild sore throat — this is normal and will pass
- • Resume your normal diet as tolerated
- • Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours
- • Do not sign important legal documents for 24 hours
- • Biopsy results (if taken) will usually be available within a week