Medically reviewed by: Hospital medical team Last reviewed: 2026
Step 1: Confirm your individual instructions
A colonoscopy uses a flexible camera to examine the large bowel. Clearing stool helps the clinician see the lining and identify changes; inadequate preparation can mean the test needs repeating. The hospital will give exact bowel-prep instructions, including the product, dose, timing, diet and fasting requirements. Follow those instructions rather than a general online schedule. Contact the endoscopy team if anything is unclear or you have not received the plan.
Step 2: Review health conditions and medicines
Tell the team about kidney or heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy, allergies, severe constipation and any previous difficulty with bowel preparation or sedation. Provide a complete list of medicines and supplements, especially blood thinners, insulin, other diabetes medicines and iron tablets. Ask for a written plan explaining what to continue, adjust or pause and when to restart it. Do not stop prescribed medicines on your own.
Step 3: Plan food, fluids and practical arrangements
The team may recommend a low-fibre diet for a period before the test, followed by clear fluids at specified times. Check which drinks are allowed, which colours to avoid and exactly when all drinking must stop. Buy the prescribed preparation in advance, keep the day manageable and arrange easy access to a toilet. If sedation is planned, organise an adult escort and any supervision the hospital requires afterwards.
Step 4: Take the prescribed bowel preparation
Mix and take the medicine exactly as directed; do not change the dose or add another laxative without advice. Some regimens divide the preparation between the previous evening and the procedure day. Expect frequent watery bowel movements, so stay near a toilet. Take permitted fluids as instructed to help prevent dehydration. Contact the team if you cannot finish the preparation, keep vomiting or see little effect. Severe abdominal pain, marked swelling or fainting needs urgent assessment.
Step 5: Attend and recover safely
Bring your reports, medicine list and any requested documents. Tell staff if preparation was incomplete. Before the procedure, the team should explain consent, sedation options, possible biopsies or polyp removal and relevant risks. Afterwards, follow the discharge instructions about eating, medicines, activity and results. If sedated, follow restrictions on driving, alcohol, machinery and important decisions, commonly for 24 hours. Seek urgent help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, fever, heavy bleeding, breathlessness or faintness.
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This information is for general awareness and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor.