Skip to Content
UW Health SMPH

Getting Ready for Morning Colonoscopy Using MoviPrep® PEG Solution Split-Dose



What is a Colonoscopy?

 

A colonoscopy is an exam of your colon (large bowel).  Your doctor uses a long, thin, flexible tube with a built in camera and light.  This tube lets the doctor see the lining of your colon very clearly.  If needed, the doctor can remove growths in the colon called polyps or take tiny samples of tissue to detect certain conditions.


The bowel prep is done in 2 steps called split-dosing. Research shows that this will result in a much cleaner colon and a more accurate exam.  An accurate exam will mean more time between exams!

 

 Important – Read 1 week in advance.

Procedure may be cancelled if instructions are not followed.
 

Getting Ready


1.  7 days before, you should stop taking the blood thinner Effient® (prasugrel).

 

2.  5 days before, you should stop taking:

  • Iron.
  • Blood thinners, such as Coumadin® (warfarin) or Plavix® (clopidogrel). 

 

3.   2 days before, you should stop taking the blood thinner Pradaxa® (dabigatran).

 

Blood thinning pills should never be stopped without discussing this with the doctor who prescribes it for you.  The doctor will give you instructions on how to safely do this.  Contact us if you have questions.

 

4.      Diabetic medicines (oral and insulin) will need to be adjusted for the time you’re not eating as normal.  Please  discuss this with your primary doctor.

 

5      You must have an adult to drive you home or your exam will be cancelled.  You may take a cab or bus home only if you have a responsible adult with you other than the driver.

 

6.     Three days before your exam, avoid these foods (corn, peas, popcorn, nuts, and fruits with skins or seeds) which are digested slowly.  They interfere with your prep and our ability to see your colon.

 

7.     You will need to purchase bowel prep supplies at least 2 days before your exam.  You will be given a prescription to fill at your local drugstore.

 

8.    Plan ahead.  For your exam you will be given sedatives which can greatly affect your judgment.  On the day of your exam, you will not be able to drive or return to work.

 

9.     Our staff will need to review your health history, prior surgeries, allergies, and medicines you take.  Please bring this information with you, including a list of your medicines or your labeled medicine bottles.

 

10.    If you use CPAP or BiPAP for sleep apnea, please bring it with you.  We will need your machine in order to sedate you safely.  

 

11.    If you have an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator, we will need specific information about it before your procedure day.  If you haven't already given us this information, please call us during business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday)    at (608) 263-8097.  Ask to speak to the Procedure Coordinator.

 

Day before your Exam

 

Prepare the Bowel Prep

 

1.  In the morning, mix the first dose of the prep by emptying one Pouch A and one Pouch B into the disposable container.  Add lukewarm drinking water to the top line of the container (one liter).  Mix thoroughly to dissolve.

 

2.  No extra flavorings should be added to the MoviPrep® solution.

 

3.  Refrigerate.  It will taste better if chilled.

 

Diet

 

1.  You may have a normal breakfast.  After 12:00 noon, do not eat solid food, milk, or dairy products.

 

2.  You may drink clear liquids until bedtime.  Keep drinking to stay hydrated.  Avoid red or purple liquids.  These resemble blood in your colon.

 

3.  Clear liquids include:

 

  • Water
  • Apple or white grape juice (no tomato, grapefruit, cranberry, grape, or orange juice)
  • Soda
  • Gatorade®  (not red or purple)
  • Jell-O®(without fruit, not red or purple)
  • Popsicles
  • Broth
  • Tea or coffee (no cream or milk; sugar is okay)

 

Medicines

 

If you take medicines, take them 1 hour before or 1 hour after drinking the bowel prep.  Do not take them while you are drinking the prep.

 

Bowel Prep - Part 1

 

Plan on each part of your prep taking several hours.   Stay near a bathroom during this time.

 

5:00 PM

 

1.  The MoviPrep® container is divided by 4 marks.  Every 15 minutes, drink the solution down to the next mark (about 8 ounces), until you drink the full liter.  You may feel cold while drinking the chilled solution.

 

2.  You should begin to have some abdominal cramping and liquid bowel movements within 1 to 6 hours.  

 

3.  Stop drinking if you feel sick to your stomach and resume, as soon as you are able, at a slower rate.

 

4.  Upon completion of this dose of the prep, drink 16 oz of the clear liquid of your choice.  This is a needed step to ensure adequate hydration and an effective prep.

 

5.  Mix the second dose of MoviPrep® solution by emptying the remaining Pouch A and Pouch B into the disposable container.  Add lukewarm drinking water to the top line of the container (one liter).  Mix thoroughly to dissolve.  Refrigerate for later use.

 

6.  Keep drinking clear liquids tonight to prevent dehydration.

 

For problems with your bowel prep, you can reach us at the contact numbers listed below.  If severe, steady stomach pain occurs or you don't expel any of the bowel prep, call the paging operator at (608) 262-0486 or toll free at 1-800-323-8942.  Ask for the Gastroenterology (GI) doctor on call. 

 

For problems with your bowel prep, you can reach us at the contact numbers listed below. If severe, steady stomach pain occurs or you don't expel any of the bowel prep, call the paging operator at (608) 262-0486 or toll free at 1-800-323-8942.  Ask for the Gastroenterology (GI) doctor on call

 

 

Day of the Colonoscopy

 

Diet

 

Continue to drink only clear liquids today (no solids).  Stop 4 hours before you arrive.

 

Medicines

 

Take your normal medicines with a small sip of water up to 1 hour before you arrive. Do not take the medicines listed under “Getting Ready”. Do not take medicines 1 hour before or after drinking the bowel prep.

 

 

Bowel Prep – Part 2

 

1.  Start to drink the rest of your prep 5 to 6 hours before you arrive.  For example: if you were asked to arrive at 7:15 AM, start your prep at 1:15 to 2:15 AM.

 

2.  Again, follow with 16 ounces of a clear liquid of your choice.  This is needed for the prep to be effective.

 

3.  You must be done drinking 4 hours before you arrive so that sedation can be given safely.  Allow time for the prep to work before leaving home.

 

4.  When finished with the prep, your bowel movements should be watery and see-through, and free of solids (flecks are OK). The color may appear clear to yellow.  Contact us at the numbers listed below with any prep problems.

Follow the arrival and registration instructions in your cover letter.  If you are delayed, call us at (608) 263-8094 to let us know you are going to be late.  If you are over 30 minutes late, we may have to cancel and reschedule.  We do our best to stay on time.

 

Plan to be with us about 3 hours.  Your driver will need to be available in our waiting room or by phone during this time.  You may not leave the recovery room without a responsible adult.
 

The Colonoscopy

 

A nurse will review your health history and place an IV.  The IV is used to give you medicines which make you feel drowsy and relaxed during your test.  The procedure will take 15 – 30 minutes (about an hour with sedation).  You will then go to our Recovery Room for about an hour.  Your driver may sit with you there.  Once awake, you will be given something to drink.  Your doctor will discuss results with you before discharge.  You and the doctor who referred you will receive a copy of the report.  If you have a colostomy, please bring extra supplies for after the test.

 

After the Colonoscopy and for the Rest of the Day

 

  • Do not return to work.
  • Do not use hazardous machinery.
  • Do not make any important decisions.
  • Plan to rest.
  • Do not drink alcohol.
  • Do not drive.

 

You should be able to resume normal daily tasks on the day after your test.

 

You may feel bloated for a few hours.  This is caused by air that was put into your colon during the exam.  It’s best to wear loose fitting clothes.

 

Most often, you may eat and drink what you wish after the exam.  Plan on starting with something light.

 

How to Contact Us

 

GI Procedure Center, 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM, (608) 263-8094.

 

After clinic hours, this number will connect to the paging operator.  Ask for the Gastroenterology (GI) doctor on call. 

 

If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942 

 

 

If you are not able to keep your appointment, please let us know 5 days in advance.

 

University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics

Madison Surgery Center

600 Highland Avenue

1 South Park Street

C5/2 Gastroenterology Procedure Center

3rd Floor

Madison WI  53792

Madison WI  53715

608-263-8094

608-287-2200

800-323-8942

800-921-3444

 



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: 01/11/2012

Copyright © 01/11/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6875

Print Health Fact For You