Prepopik Bowel Preparation
Prepopik (sodium picosulfate/magnesium oxide/anhydrous citric acid) Preparation for a Colonoscopy
In order to achieve an accurate evaluation of your lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, it is important that you properly prepare for the procedure. Doctors are able to obtain the clearest view of the bowel when it is flushed completely free of waste material. The thoroughness of this intestinal cleaning depends on you. Without your cooperation, the examination cannot accomplish its purpose and may have to be repeated.
Note; Trade name Prepopik is now only available as a generic, sodium picosulfate/magnesium oxide/anhydrous citric acid.
If you are taking anticoagulants or blood thinners such as (but not limited to) those listed below, please discuss this with your Health Care Provider. In most circumstances, these medications are temporarily discontinued prior to your procedure.
- Coumadin (warfarin)
- Plavix (clopidogrel)
- Persantine (dipyridamole)
- Aggrenox (aspirin-dipyridamole)
- Effient (prasugrel)
- Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate)
- Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
- Eliquis (apixaban)
Certain weight reduction and diabetic medications can slow the emptying of the stomach and increase the risk of aspiration when sedated for the procedure. Some of these medications need held up to a week before the procedure. If you have not reviewed your medications with us, please contact the office to review. Using the patient portal is the best and most efficient way to communicate with us.
If you have questions or you need to reschedule or cancel your procedure, please message us through your patient portal or call (717) 761-0930.
Note; our instructions for the Prepopik differ slightly from the package inset. Please follow our instructions
Supplies
- Prepopik Bowel Preparation Kit – Prescription sent to your local pharmacy.
5 Days Before Procedure
- Do not take any ibuprofen products (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories – NSAIDS). Tylenol (acetaminophen) is allowed. If you are on aspirin you may continue the aspirin.
- Do not take oral iron tablets.
- Do not consume any foods that contain seeds or nuts. These foods take longer to pass through the bowel and should be avoided.
The Day Before Procedure
- You will need to follow a clear liquid diet the entire day before your procedure. We ask that you avoid dark colored clear liquids (red, purple, or dark blue). NO milk products, NO vegetables, NO breads or grains, NO meats and NO fats or oils are allowed. By rule of thumb, a clear liquid is one that can be seen through. Some examples include clear juices without pulp, clear soda, chicken or beef broth, popsicles, Jell-O, Italian ice, tea, coffee, clear hard candy, etc. If you are diabetic, drink regular (non-diet) liquids in moderation throughout the day.
- You may take your regularly prescribed medication (except for blood thinners and oral iron, as instructed by your nurse).
- At 5:00 p.m., fill the dosing cup provided in your Prepopik box with cold water up to the lower (5-ounce) line. Pour in the contents of one (1) Prepopik powder packet. STIR FOR 2-3 MINUTES UNTIL DISSOLVED. Drink entire contents.
- Follow with five (5) 8-ounce drinks of clear liquids, taken at your own pace, within the next five (5) hours.
Second Dose of Preparation
- Seven (7) hours before your scheduled procedure, fill the dosing cup provided with cold water up to the lower (5-ounce) line on the cup. Pour in the contents of the remaining Prepopik powder packet. STIR FOR 2-3 MINUTES UNTIL DISSOLVED. Drink entire contents.
- Follow with three (3) 8-ounce drinks of clear liquids, taken at your own pace, over the next 2 hours. You must have completed the prep 4 hours prior to your scheduled procedure time.
NOTE:
(1) If you are scheduled for an early morning procedure, you will need to set your alarm to assure the preparation is taken at the correct time. We recognize (and apologize) that you will need to get up in the middle of the night. We are aware of the inconvenience and disruption to your sleep, but the two-stage prep provides a superior cleansing of the colon. You must finish with the prep within 4 hours of your procedure time.
(2) It is normal to feel very “full” or “bloated” during your prep. Some people may also experience nausea and vomiting. If this occurs, simply wait about 30 minutes before resuming drinking. This will likely disappear once bowel movements begin. If the vomiting resumes, please call our office. If your bowel movements are not clear or pale yellow after completing the prep, please call our office at (717) 761-0930.
On the Day of the Procedure
- Do not have anything to eat.
- Stop drinking clear liquids 4 hours prior to your procedure. No chewing gum, hard candy or chewing tobacco within 4 hours prior to your procedure.
- At 6:00 a.m., take any currently prescribed heart and blood pressure medications (except for blood thinners as detailed above), with a sip of water.
- If you are diabetic: Do not take your diabetic medication (pills or insulin) the morning of your procedure. If you normally monitor your blood sugars at home, please check your blood sugar the morning of your procedure. If your blood sugar is over 150 or below 90, please contact the West Shore Endoscopy Center at (717) 975-2430. An anesthesia specialist will provide you with further instructions.
- Please report to your appointment as scheduled. NOTE: Plan to be at the procedure center for about two to two and one-half hours.
- A driver must come with you in order to drive you home after the procedure. You will be sedated for your colonoscopy. You may not drive or work for 12 hours after the procedure. For late afternoon procedures, drivers must be present no later than 4:00 p.m. The West Shore Endoscopy Center closes at 4:00 p.m.