How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is one of the best ways to help prevent and detect colon cancer. Your colon must be empty and clean for a successful procedure. Here’s how to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Plan Your Prep

Fill your prescription for your prep medication in advance. Discuss the options with your doctor:

• Liquid formulas
• Pills

Stock up on key supplies to make the process more comfortable:

• Baby wipes
• Diaper cream
• Grocery items

Week Before

Eat a “low-residue diet” and limit high-fiber foods to help prepare for the cleansing process. Limit:

• Nuts
• Seeds
• Whole grains
• Raw vegetables
• Fruit with seeds or peels

Eat:

• White bread
• Pasta
• Eggs
• Cooked vegetables
• Fruit without seeds or peel

Drink extra fluids during this part of your colonoscopy prep to avoid constipation.

Day Before Procedure (full day, not 24 hours):

• Clear liquid diet.
• No solid food.
• Drink 12 glasses of water throughout the day.
• Take prep medication in the evening as directed.

Day Of Procedure:

• No solid food.
• Stop drinking all liquids 3 hours before the procedure.
• Take prep medication in the morning as directed.

Liquids

OK to Drink:

• Water
• Sparkling water
• Ginger ale
• Tea
• Apple juice
• Light sports drinks
• Black coffee

Not OK to Drink:

• Orange juice
• Dark sports drinks
• Milk
• Coffee with cream
• Dark soda
• Alcohol

Foods

OK to eat:

• Light Jello
• Light popsicles
• Honey
• Broth

Not OK to Eat:

• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Starches
• Dairy
• Dark Jello
• Dark popsicles

Avoid any food or drink that contains red, blue or orange dye or artificial coloring.

The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45. People with a family history should start sooner.

Learn more about risk factors, prep and other common colonoscopy questions at UHhospitals.org/Colonoscopy.