Preparing for Your Visit
Colonoscopy Prep
Please find the colon prep you were prescribed from the list provided and download your specific prep instructions. General instructions are below. Morning procedures are from 7:30am until 12:15pm. Afternoon procedures are from 12:30pm until 4:00pm.
Before a colonoscopy, you will be asked to clean out your colon so the doctor can see the colon lining. Any residue in your colon may make it difficult for the doctor to view the lining and may result in missed polyps or abnormalities.
Notify your doctor of all the medications you are taking. Most medications can be continued as usual, but some medications may need to be adjusted or stopped temporarily prior to the exam. The doctor’s office will discuss any medication changes with you prior to your colonoscopy.
Your Prep Instructions
To clean out your colon you will be given instructions specially chosen for you. These instructions will include information on the following:
- Special diet
- Laxative use
- Medication instructions
It is very important these instructions are followed to ensure you have the best clean-out possible. It is important to let us know if you have any problems with constipation as additional dietary changes and laxatives may be required. Once you have started the laxative process the day before your exam, you should plan on remaining close to a restroom.
Know Before You Go
List of Prep Instructions
Medication Information
- If you are on a blood thinning or weight loss medication, please inform the Scheduling Department at (605) 721-5400 right away if you have not done so already.
- Five (5) days prior to your procedure, stop taking iron, fiber supplements and medication for erectile dysfunction (Cialis/Viagra).
- The use of GLP-1 agonists carries an increased risk of delayed gastric emptying and complications from anesthesia. For this reason, medication adjustments are necessary. These medications include (but are not limited to): Dulaglutide (Trulicity), Exenatide (Byetta), Exenatide Extended Release (Bydureon BCise), Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), Lixisenatide (Adlyxin), Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus), and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
- Patients on weekly dosing should NOT take the dose prior to procedure and NOT take it for at least 7 days before procedure. Patients on daily dosing should not take it starting the day before procedure.
Please consult with your prescribing physician if you have questions. - On the day of your procedure, please take your prescription medications unless instructed by the nurse to hold them. Do not take your vitamins or supplements the morning of your procedure.
Diabetic
If you are on diabetic medications, contact your prescribing physician for detailed medication adjustments specifically for you.
Blood Thinners
The following medications need to be held prior to a colonoscopy. The scheduling nurse will contact your prescribing physician for orders to hold your medication and then contact you with instructions.
- Coumadin
- Xarelto
- Brilinta
- Heparin
- Effient
- Plavix
- Pradaxa
- Aggrenox
- Eliquis
Aspirin
If you are taking Aspirin 325mg, decrease dose to 81mg five (5) days prior to your procedure.
Hold Aspirin, Aspirin-containing medications, and NSAIDS the morning of your procedure. Tylenol or ES Tylenol is ok to take prior to your procedure. Examples of aspirin containing medications/NSAIDS include:
- Ibuprofen
- Empirin
- Ecotrin
- Bufferin
- Ascriptin
- Motrin
- Advil
- Meloxicam
- Medipren
- Nuprin
- Naproxen
- Naprosyn
- Aleve
- Sulindac
- Clinoril
- Piroxicam
- Feldene
- Indomethacin
- Indocin
- Diclofenac
- Voltaren
- Alka Seltzer
- Percodan
Weight Loss
The following medications need to be held prior to a colonoscopy. Please contact your prescribing physician to determine if tapering instructions are needed.
- Phentermine (7 days)
- Contrave (24 hours)
- GLP-1 Agonists (up to 7 days prior, see above)
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find the colon prep you were prescribed from the list provided and download your specific prep instructions. General instructions are below. Morning procedures are from 7:30am until 12:15pm. Afternoon procedures are from 12:30pm until 4:00pm.
A clear stool can have a slight tint of yellow or brown. It will be completely transparent and will not contain any solid matter.
Bowel movements can take up to 5-6 hours after beginning the prep. Be patient, continue to drink extra liquids. If you have not had a bowel movement by midnight the night prior to your procedure, please call the on-call GI physician at (605) 342-3280 for further instructions.
If you develop nausea or vomiting, slow down the rate at which you drink the solution. Please attempt to drink all of the laxative solution even if it takes you longer. If vomiting persists or you are not able to finish the preparation, stop the preparation and call the GI physician’s office at (605) 342-3280 for further instructions.
Fruits and vegetables are typically high in fiber, as well as nuts, seeds, whole grain breads, beans, and lentils. For a more detailed list, please see our low residue/low fiber diet.
Choose white bread and white rice for lower fiber options, as well as pastas made with white flour. Chicken, fish, dairy and eggs are also low in fiber and good choices for foods 2-3 days before you begin your prep. For a more detailed list, please see our low residue/low fiber diet.
You will not need to reschedule your procedure, however you may need to take additional laxatives and fluids. The seeds or nuts may cause a difficulty in screening and require a need for rescreening if unable to pass completely. If you have eaten seeds or nuts, please contact the GI physician’s office at (605) 342-3280 for further instructions.
Alcohol is not allowed as part of the liquid diet.
Call the pharmacy and ask to have your profile checked on the computer. It may not be on the shelf ready for pick up.
Yes, you may continue the liquid diet until you are directed to discontinue anything by mouth, which is typically 4-6 hours prior to the procedure.
A split prep has proven to be the most effective for a successful colonoscopy. It is essential you follow the directions we have provided with your prep.
Yes, the clear liquid diet is based on when you start your prep, not when your procedure time is.
The liquid amount is not weight dependent. It is important to finish the prep for a successful colonoscopy.
The nurse anesthetist will discuss your sedation options with you prior to your procedure to determine what type of sedation – moderate or deep – is best for you based on your health history.
Generally, you can eat right after your procedure. It is recommended to start with a bland, non-greasy, non-spicy food diet. Your physician will let you know if there are any further recommendations for your diet based on the findings of your procedure.
Due to the sedation you will receive, you may not drive or work the day of your procedure. You may return to your normal activities the day after your procedure.
Low Residue Diet
Foods Allowed
- White bread or rolls without nuts and seeds
- Plain white pasta, noodles, macaroni
- Crackers
- Refined cereals such as Cream of Wheat, Cheerios, Rice Krispies
- Pancakes or Waffles
- Fruit and vegetable juice with little/no pulp
- Tender meat, poultry, fish, sausage, bacon
- Eggs, Tofu, creamy peanut butter
- Milk and foods made from milk – yogurt (without fruit added), pudding, ice cream, cheeses, cottage cheese, sour cream
- Butter, margarine, oils, and salad dressings without seeds or nuts
- Cheese pizza, spaghetti with no chunks of veggies
- White rice (polished)
- Applesauce or Pear sauce
- Potatoes – instant or white varieties with no skin
- Desserts with no whole grains, seeds, nuts, raisins, or coconut
- Apricots (peeled)
- Asparagus tips (well-cooked)
- Cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and papaya (ripe)
- Carrots (peeled and cooked until soft)
- Bananas
- Peaches (ripe and peeled)
- Mushrooms (well cooked)
Foods to Avoid
- Whole wheat/whole grain breads, cereals, and pasta
- Whole grains (oats, kasha, barley, quinoa)
- Beans, peas, and lentils
- Seeds, nuts, popcorn
- Brown and wild rice
- Fruits and vegetables
- Tough fibrous meats with gristle, raw clams and oysters
- Coconut
You may have questions before your procedure. That’s okay. We’re here to help calm any concerns, inform you with your directions and options, and support you from start to finish.
Patient Benefit Coordinator
Endoscopy Center Only
(605) 721-8500
Endoscopy Center
Patient Accounts A-K
(605) 721-8147
Endoscopy Center
Patient Accounts L-Z
(605) 721-8120
