Medications
It is impossible to undergo a thorough endoscopic exam without proper preparation. There are several preparations listed on this website. When you are scheduled for your procedure, the nurse will review the appropriate preparation information with you. She will then mail your instructions to your home.
It is very important that you review this information several days prior to your scheduled appointment and follow the instructions carefully. Failure to follow the preparation instructions can result in an incomplete examination and require rescheduling.
Notice to Patients
We have found that patients are less likely to have acid reflux during anesthesia when they take a stomach acid reducer prior to their procedure. This reduces the amount of stomach acid present when the procedure is performed.
We recommend each patient take one 20mg Pepcid or generic (famotidine) tablet with a small sip of water one and one-half hours prior to arriving at the center for your procedure. This is only a recommendation and is not a requirement. You will be able to purchase this medication at any pharmacy and it does not require a prescription.
If you are already taking and or have any other acid reducer medication, you may take that instead of the Pepcid.
Medication Instructions Before Your Procedure
If you have any questions about your instructions, please contact our nurses. They will be happy to review the information with you. This is a general guideline; please follow any specific instructions given by our nurses.
On the morning of your procedure, if you are currently taking medications:
YOU SHOULD TAKE WITH A SMALL SIP OF WATER:
- Heart Medication
- Blood Pressure Medications
- Breathing Medications (including inhalers and please bring inhalers with you to the appointment)
- Aspirin, if prescribed daily for medical reasons.
- Ulcer or Reflux medication
- Seizure Medication
- Cortisone (Prednisone)
- Eye Drops
- Thyroid Medication
- Anti-Depressants
- Prescription Pain Medications
DO NOT TAKE:
- Diuretics (Water Pills)
- Aspirin products or NSAIDS (such as Celebrex, Vioxx, Ibuprofen, Aleve) if taken occasionally for minor aches and pains or headache – please use Tylenol instead for 7 days prior to the exam.
- Vitamins
- Tranquilizers
- Blood thinners (Example: Plavix, Coumadin, or Pradaxa) Needs to be stopped for a specific number of days prior to the procedure. YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THESE MEDICATIONS BY OUR NURSE, IF YOU DID NOT, PLEASE CALL US AT 717-531-1318.
- Insulin: The physician who orders your insulin should instruct you on how to use it through the preparation process, if you have any questions, please call us at 717-531-1318. Please DO NOT take these medications the morning of your test.
- Oral Diabetes Medications: Contact the physician who ordered your medication for instructions through the preparation process. Please DO NOT take these medications the morning of your test.
- Iron Supplements needs to be stopped 7 days prior to the procedure (colonoscopy only).