Additional Instructions for Chronic Constipation Patients

Several Days Before Your Colonoscopy

Purchase a box of Dulcolax or generic brand laxative tablets – not the stool softeners, (bisacodyl is the generic name) at the pharmacy when you get your bowel preparation prescription filled. Carefully read over these directions and call us with any questions.
Continue to take all of your usual laxative/bowel medications per your routine.

Please inform us if you have a certain plan that works best for your bowel prep.

Two (2) Days Before Your Colonoscopy

Eat lightly, sticking to non-fibrous foods such as puddings, soups (without vegetables), yogurt, eggs, white toast or bread. NO FRESH FRUITS OR VEGETABLES OR HIGH FIBER FOODS. Drink as much clear fluids as you can, to keep yourself well-hydrated.
In addition to your own daily treatment for constipation, in the evening around 3-5PM take 2 Dulcolax tablets (bisacodyl) with a full glass of fluids. This should cause you to have a bowel movement within 6 hours. Due to your condition of chronic constipation, the additional laxatives will help you get a better result from your bowel preparation which is very important for a high quality exam.

The Day Before Your Exam

Follow the instructions on the bowel preparation page.
YOU WILL HAVE ONLY CLEAR LIQUIDS BY MOUTH TODAY EVEN IF THE ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS ALLOWS A LIGHT BREAKFAST, (YOU SHOULD NOT).

The Day of Your Exam

If you continue to pass thick brown liquid or solid bowel movements, please call our office early in the day to discuss if you are adequately prepared. The best prep results should include passing only clear yellow liquid.

Please call us at 717-531-1318 with any questions. For questions about the prep after 4:30 PM: Please call 717- 531-8521 and ask for the GI Attending physician on call.