Barium Enema for Those Familiar with the Procedure
Your barium enema is on _______________ at___________.
The phone number for Radiology is (608-263-9729).
Getting Ready for the Test
For this test to be accurate, you must have an empty bowel. To empty the bowel you will follow a clear liquid diet and take laxatives. A few days before the test, go to your local drugstore and buy these over-the-counter bowel prep.
- 1 bottle of magnesium citrate, 10 ounces (It is easier to drink chilled.)
- Bisacodyl tablets 20 milligrams (mg.)
The Day before the Exam
Clear liquids only- no limit on amount
Clear broth or consommé |
Clear Jell-O®, with nothing in it |
Juice without pulp:, apple, grape, cranberry, |
Popsicles |
Boost Breeze® |
Clear hard candy |
Coffee or tea, no creamer |
Gatorade® |
Water |
Sparkling water or soda |
NO juices with pulp (orange, tomato, prune juice, lemonade) or dairy products of any kind.
Be sure to drink 8 glasses (8-ounces each) of water between noon and 11 p.m., unless your fluid intake is restricted.
You may want to take these bowel preps earlier in the day than the schedule below. Do not take either of these at work and expect to travel home, without needing a bathroom.
No later than
5:30 p.m.: Drink magnesium citrate 10 ounces.
8:00 p.m.: Take bisacodyl tablets 20 milligrams (mg.). Do not chew or crush.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
If the test is scheduled in the afternoon, a liquid breakfast is allowed.
The next morning, if you have been told to take certain pills, do so with a sip of water.
After the Exam
You may need to take 2 tablespoons of milk of magnesia to help you expel the barium. Ask the doctor.
You will have white colored bowel movements for a day or two. This is normal. Drink plenty of fluids to help move the barium out.
You may go back to your own diet unless your doctor tells you something else.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 05/15/2013
Copyright © 03/12/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4378
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