Colonoscopy Prep Options

 

A clean colon makes it easier for your doctor to spot if there’s any inflammation or polyps within the colon.

 

  • Educate yourself on the options available to you.
  • Discover which option suits you best (colonoscopy prep is not a “one-size-fits-all”).
  • Doctors and clinics may have different protocols; be sure to follow your doctor’s specific instructions. If you have any questions or concerns, advocate for yourself with your healthcare team to ensure that prep goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible.
    • What to talk about with your doctor about:
      • I’m diabetic
      • I have XYZ issues
      • I have a huge gag reflex
      • I can’t drink high-liquid volumes
      • I get nauseous very easily / am worried about vomiting
    • Take the time to fully understand your prep, and don’t be ashamed about asking “too many questions!”

 

Over the Counter

Laxatives and Sports Drinks

Over the counter bowel preps are convenient and are considered more tolerable by many patients. These bowel preps do not require a prescription, but are paid for out of pocket. This bowel prep consists of drinking powdered laxative mixed with a sports drink the night before, followed by additional laxatives the day of the procedure. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, as the OTC bowel prep may be less effective than some prescription preps.

High-Volume Prescription Prep

Around 4 Liters

High-volume prep options are considered the more “typical” or standard prep options since they have been around the longest. 

High-volume prep options are highly effective and reliable, can be gentle for patients with IBS symptoms, and are readily covered by insurance. And while this prep option can seem daunting or “too much,” remember that it is over time and you will not be eating much, so you won’t feel quite as full as you may think you will.

4 liters of prep is equivalent to about 1 gallon

Low-Volume Prescription Prep

Around 2 Liters

Low-volume prep options are also highly effective/reliable and can be gentle for patients with IBS symptoms, but costs can vary depending on insurance, co-pay, and deductible.

Some low-volume prep options are split-dose, meaning that half of the preparation is taken the night before and the other half is taken the day of your colonoscopy. 

2 liters of prep is equivalent to half a gallon

Pill Prescription Prep

24 Pills

The pill option for colonoscopy prep is the newest option, and may need to be requested as some doctors/clinics may not offer it up-front yet. 

The pill option is the lowest liquid-volume prep option, but there are 24 large pills so they are not ideal if you struggle with taking pills. 

However, many patients report having the least amount of difficulty with this option as there is no negative taste or high intake of liquid. Costs can vary depending on insurance, co-pay, and deductible. 

With the pills, you take about two glasses of water

Keep in mind the costs of over-the-counter vs. insurance prep options and that costs can vary by insurance, co-pay, and deductible. While we love that more prep options are being made available, we recognize that choice can be a privilege not all can yet afford. The best colonoscopy is the one that gets done, no matter how you can do it.

Several at-home options are available that require no prep or time off of work and may even be done at home. These tests do require a doctor’s prescription and positive results require a follow-up colonoscopy. Learn more about those options.