1 day before your colonoscopy

Medicines

Take your regular morning medicines, unless you have been instructed otherwise.

Try to take your usual morning medicines before 10am and your evening medicines after 9pm. Your body may not fully take in medicines between these times. This is because of the bowel preparation solution that you will have.

If you need any advice about when to take your medicines, please contact the pharmacy medicines helpline on 020 7188 8748 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Stop taking any bulk-forming laxatives (which create a heavy, more liquid-like poo that is softer and easier to pass). These include:

• isphaghula husk (such as Fybogel®)
• methylcellulose (Celevac®)
• bran
• sterculia (Normacol®)

Food and drink

Have a light breakfast, such as boiled egg on toast (white bread), no later than 9am.

After breakfast, do not eat any solid food until after your test.

Drink clear fluids only today. They may include:

• water
• squash
• fizzy drinks
• clear strained soup
• clear stock

Try to drink 2 litres (about 8 to 10 glasses) in total throughout the day (not including the bowel preparation solution).

You can drink tea or coffee with a small splash of milk. Do not drink alcohol.

Bowel preparation

You need to start taking bowel preparation solution the day before your colonoscopy.

Read more about what to expect from taking bowel preparation solution.

Please follow the instructions and timetable below for the solution that you are taking. Do not follow the instructions on the packet.

The solutions taste better if they are served chilled. You may want to mix the solutions in advance and keep them in the fridge. You need to use them within 24 hours of being prepared.