Colonoscopy Prep with Magnesium Citrate
For tests scheduled before 10 a.m.
In advance of your procedure: Purchase two (2) magnesium citrate bottles (any flavor as long as it isn’t red), along with a small box of Dulcolax laxative (or equivalent generic) tablets (both over the counter at your local pharmacy).
If you take the blood thinners: coumadin (warfarin), Plavix, Xarelto, Eliquis, Effient, Brilinta, Pradaxa, or the weight loss medications: Qsymia, Zenzedi, Suprenza, Regimex, Contrave, Didrex, Evekeo, Lomaira, ProCentra and the doctor or nurse did not discuss whether you should stop this medication, please call our office right away. You may safely take aspirin as you normally do unless instructed otherwise.
The day PRIOR to the colonoscopy:
1) You need to drink only clear liquids for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This includes juice, water, black coffee, tea, clear broth soups, jello, Italian ice, etc. Again, no red liquids please.
2) The morning before your colonoscopy, put the two (2) bottles of magnesium citrate in the refrigerator, so that they are cold when you start drinking later.
3) At about 12 pm, start drinking the first bottle of magnesium citrate. Ideally you should drink the whole bottle in 30-60 minutes. If you become bloated or nauseous, you may take a break for a half an hour or so, and then resume drinking at a slower pace.
5) When you are finished drinking the magnesium citrate, wait 1 hour and then take 2 dulcolax tablets.
6) It may take up to a few hours before you start to have bowel movements.
7) At about 6pm, start drinking the second bottle of magnesium citrate. Ideally you should drink the whole bottle in 30-60 minutes. If you become bloated or nauseous, you may take a break for a half an hour or so, and then resume drinking at a slower pace.
8) When you are finished drinking the magnesium citrate, wait 1 hour and then take another 2 dulcolax tablets.
9) Do not eat or drink anything (except with your medications) after midnight.
The day OF the colonoscopy:
1) You may take your prescription medications with sips of water, the morning of the procedure. Please take your blood pressure medication prior to the test so your pressure is under control. Your diabetes medications should not be taken until after the test (unless otherwise indicated by your doctor).
2) Please arrive at the Endoscopy Suite on the first floor of the hospital an hour earlier than your scheduled procedure time (unless instructed otherwise by the Endoscopy Nurse).
3) You must have someone drive you to and from your procedure as you will not be allowed to drive until the day after your colonoscopy, because of the sedation.
4) You will see Dr Houghton prior to your procedure. You will have the opportunity to ask him any remaining questions that you may have. You will also meet the Anesthesiologist (if present) prior to your procedure.
5) After your procedure, Dr Houghton will discuss your test results with you and your family. Your referring Primary Care Doctor will receive a copy of the colonoscopy results as well.
If you have questions prior to the procedure, please see the attached FAQ (frequently asked questions) form. If you still have questions, you may call the office at 740-356-6828.