Patient Corner
How do I get ready for my procedure?
Answers to the questions we are asked most often before a colonoscopy or an upper GI endoscopy — fasting, medicines, sedation, and getting home afterwards.
Before your procedure
Our doctors and clinical assistants will explain the procedure and the preparation instructions well ahead of time. However, at times patients forget things or think of new questions, so we have listed the most frequently asked questions below.
If your query is not answered below, call our doctor's assistant during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:30 pm).
Colonoscopy preparation
For the best results and a thorough examination of the colon, strictly follow the instructions given by your physician or assistant. The questions below may help you prepare better.
If you are feeling ill or there is an emergency, call our main line to reach the on-call physician or assistant.
Endoscopy and gastroscopy preparation
The questions below answer how long to fast before a scheduled upper GI endoscopy (gastroscopy), which medicines you can take that morning, the sedation used, when to arrive and how to get home afterwards.
Frequently asked
What medication will be given for my colonoscopy?
You will need Peglec, Pegmove, Pegred or Coloprep.
Before a colonoscopy, what should I do about the medicines I take for other illnesses?
Take your essential prescription medicines, such as those for hypertension, with sips of water. You do not have to stop aspirin (ASA), vitamins or NSAIDs such as Advil, Motrin or ibuprofen. One week before the procedure, please stop any iron and fibre supplements. If you take warfarin, acitrom, clopidogrel or other blood thinners, contact your prescribing doctor for specific instructions on their use before, during and after your procedure. Do not take your diabetes medicine on the day of the procedure.
What fluids and food can I take before a colonoscopy?
You can take clear liquids. Do not drink red, blue or purple liquids, and continue clear liquids only until 4 hours before the procedure. Clear liquids include water, green tea or coffee without cream or milk, apple juice, white grape juice, white cranberry juice, Sprite or 7-Up, and lemonade.
When should I take the colonoscopy preparation medicine?
For an early morning examination, take it on the day before the examination. For an afternoon procedure, take it in the early morning.
How should I take the colonoscopy preparation medicine?
Peglec, Pegred, Pegmove or Pegwash: mix the entire powder with 2 litres of drinking water. Be sure to stir before each drink of the mixture. Chill it with ice or refrigerate it. Begin drinking one glass of the solution every 10 minutes and finish it within 2 hours. If you feel nauseated or vomit, take a 30-minute break and start drinking again at 10-minute intervals. Remember that the best results are achieved if the complete solution is retained and finished on time. Coloprep: fill the two bottles containing the medicine with water. Drink both of them within an hour, and after that take one extra litre of water on top (2 litres in total). Remember to stay close to toilet facilities, as the laxative will work quite suddenly.
When should I stop taking anything by mouth before a colonoscopy?
Stop 4 hours prior to the examination.
How should I reach the hospital for my colonoscopy?
Reach the hospital at least an hour before your scheduled time. Your driver (a relative or friend) must accompany you to your procedure and stay until the procedure is completed and you are ready to leave. No taxi cabs are allowed. Because of the sedative effects of the medicines, do not drive, operate machinery or drink alcohol for 12 hours after the procedure.
How long do I have to fast before a scheduled endoscopy?
The fasting time is 8 hours before the endoscopy. If your endoscopy is scheduled in the afternoon, you may eat breakfast as long as you finish 8 hours before your procedure.
If I ate something by mistake 8 hours or less before the procedure, can I still have it?
No. Your procedure will be rescheduled. Not even chewing gum, mint or candy should be taken.
I forgot and drank a little water a couple of hours before my procedure. Is that okay?
No. If you have had anything to drink within 4 hours of the procedure, we will reschedule your procedure.
Why do I need to fast for so long?
During the procedure you will be made to sleep, and while doing so there is a chance of aspiration or inhalation of stomach contents into the lung, which may lead to serious complications such as pneumonia.
Can I brush my teeth on the day of the procedure?
Yes. Try not to swallow any water.
What medications can I take on the morning of my endoscopy?
Take your normal medications with small sips of water. Avoid blood thinners and diabetes medicines.
Can I take antibiotics as a precaution before the procedure?
No, this is not necessary for routine endoscopy procedures.
What if I have a fever, significant upper respiratory or nasal congestion, or an infection?
In this situation, call us. We may reschedule the procedure.
What kind of sedation is used?
Short intravenous (IV) sedation is used, as these are short-duration procedures. It is given to make you sleep and to make the procedure painless and comfortable. You may not even remember it. When you awaken, you will feel relaxed and comfortable.
What time should I arrive for the procedure?
The time will be given to you by the assistant.
What is the duration of the procedure?
A routine upper GI endoscopy takes about 10 minutes.
Do I need a family member, friend or neighbour to accompany me?
Yes, you must have one accompanying person.
Can I drive after the procedure?
No. You cannot drive for 12 hours.
Where to go next
Need expert digestive or liver care?
Book a consultation with a GastroPlus specialist — same-day appointments available.