SUTAB Preparation for Colonoscopy

SUTAB PREPARATION FOR COLONOSCOPY

To achieve an accurate evaluation of your lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, it is important that you properly prepare for the procedure.

Doctors 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.

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)

If you have questions, or you need to reschedule or cancel your procedure, please call 717-761-0930.

SUPPLIES

• SUTAB Bowel Prep Kit – Prescription sent to your local pharmacy.

7 DAYS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

Do not take the following supplements:

• Gingko Biloba
• Garlic
• Fish Oil
• Dong Quai

5 DAYS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

Do not consume any foods that contain corn, seeds, or nuts. These foods take longer to pass through the bowel.

Do not take any ibuprofen products (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories – NSAIDS). Tylenol (acetaminophen) is allowed.

Do not take oral iron supplements.

Follow a low fiber diet. Examples of low fiber foods include:

• Breads made with refined flour (white-bread)
• Cereals that are low in fiber
• White pasta
• White rice
• Low fiber fruits (cantaloupes, honey dew melons, watermelons, nectarines, papayas, peaches, plums, bananas, canned fruits)
• Vegetable juice without pulp
• Low fiber vegetables (carrots, beets, asparagus tips, string beans, lettuce, cucumbers without seeds or skin, zucchini, canned vegetables)
• Potatoes without skin
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Poultry
• Egg
• Tofu
• Ham
• Creamy peanut butter
• Milk
• Yogurt
• Soft, mild cheese
• Olive oil

DAY BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

Follow a clear liquid diet the entire day before your procedure. 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 (without milk products)
• Clear hard candy

Products to avoid completely include:

• Dark colored liquids (red, blue, purple)
• Milk products
• Alcohol
• Vegetables
• Breads or grains
• Meats
• Fats or oils

If you are diabetic, drink regular (non-diet) liquids in moderation throughout the day. If you are an insulin dependent diabetic, only take HALF of your EVENING dose of insulin.

It is important to prevent dehydration before, during, and after your bowel preparation. The more clear liquids you drink throughout the day, the better you will feel and the more effective your bowel prep will be.

At 5:00 p.m., open one (1) of the two (2) bottles in the kit. It will contain twelve (12) tablets. Fill the provided plastic container with water to the line marked on the container.

Swallow one (1) tablet at a time with a sip of water. Spread the time to take the twelve (12) tablets over 15 to 20 minutes. If you run out of water, you can take more water. If you become uncomfortable, you can spread the time over 20 to 30 minutes.

About one (1) hour after taking the last tablet, fill the container with water again (about 16 ounces) and drink over 30 minutes.

About 30 minutes after finishing the second container of water, fill the container again with water and drink that over 30 minutes.

SECOND DOSE OF PREPARATION

Six (6) hours before the procedure, repeat all the same steps as above using the second bottle of tablets.

You must have completed the prep four (4) hours prior to your procedure time. 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 are aware of the inconvenience, but the two-stage prep provides a superior cleansing of the colon.

DAY OF THE PROCEDURE

Do not have anything to eat.

Stop drinking clear liquids four (4) hours prior to the procedure.

No chewing gum, hard candy or chewing tobacco at least four (4) hours prior to the procedure.

At 6:00 a.m., take any prescribed heart and blood pressure medications that you would normally take in the morning (except for blood thinners, as listed above). Take them with just enough water to get it down.

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 200 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 at the scheduled time. Plan to be at the procedure center for about 2 – 2.5 hours.

AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE

A driver must come with you to drive you home after the procedure. You will be sedated for your colonoscopy. You may not work or drive for 12 hours after the procedure. You will be provided with discharge instructions, and it is important that you follow them carefully.

For afternoon procedures, drivers must be present no later than 4:00 p.m. to pick you up.