Colonoscopy Preparation Instructions – Trilyte

It is very important that the following preparation is followed exactly as outlined.

Preparing for Your Colonoscopy at UConn Health

One week before the procedure:

  • Stop taking any iron supplements.

Three (3) days before the procedure:

  • Stop taking Vitamin E, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, etc. You may continue Aspirin.
  • If approved by your physician, stop taking any blood thinners (Coumadin, Warfarin, Plavix, Pradaxa, etc.).
  • Take your usual medications for blood pressure, heart problems, lung problems, and other chronic health conditions. Check with your physician or GI Endoscopy office at 860-679-3238 if you are unsure whether to take or stop a medication.

Two (2) nights before the procedure:

  • Purchase “Dulcolax Overnight” 5mg tablets or Bisacody (generic) and take one (1) tablet.

Day before the procedure:

  • You need to follow a clear liquid diet ALL DAY – no red or purple liquids. No solid foods, milk or milk products. Choices:
    Apple juice
    Sprite
    Ginger ale
    Fresca
    Tea and coffee (honey, sugar, sugar substitutes ok – no milk)
    Jell-O (no red or purple)
    Popsicles (orange, lemon-lime)
    Vitamin Water or Gatorade (orange, lemon-lime)
    Clear soup, broth (vegetable, beef or chicken)
    White grape juice
    Hard candy

Laxative Instructions

FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS, NOT THOSE THAT COME PREPACKAGED WITH THE TRILYTE PREP.

  • Mix the Trilyte in 1 gallon of water in the morning the day before your colonoscopy. Keep in refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Start drinking the laxative solution at 3 p.m.
  • Drink 8 ounces of liquid laxative every 15 to 20 minutes. If you start to feel nauseated or bloated, stop for one hour, then continue drinking the solution.
  • For the best prep results it is suggested, but not required, to save 2 glasses of the laxative solution to drink 5 hours before your scheduled procedure time.

Bedtime Instructions

  • Nothing to eat or drink, including water, after midnight until after the procedure unless instructed otherwise.

Additional Instructions for Afternoon Procedures

For procedures that are scheduled to start after 12 p.m., it is okay to drink clear liquids (black coffee or tea without sugar or milk, water, Seven-Up, ginger ale or apple juice) until 6 hours before the start time of the procedure.

DO NOT EAT ANY SOLID FOOD AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE.

  • Procedure scheduled at 1 p.m.: You may have clear liquids up to 7 a.m.
  • Procedure scheduled at 1:30 p.m.: You may have clear liquids up to 7:30 a.m.
  • Procedure scheduled at 2 p.m.: You may have clear liquids up to 8 a.m.
  • Procedure scheduled at 2:30 p.m.: You may have clear liquids up to 8:30 a.m.
  • Procedure scheduled at 3 p.m.: You may have clear liquids up to 9 a.m.
  • Procedure scheduled at 3:30 p.m.: You may have clear liquids up to 9:30 a.m.

If you are a patient scheduled for a colonoscopy at UConn Health and have problems with the preparation and/or have questions during weekday hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) call 860-679-3238 and ask to speak with the GI nurse.

If you are a patient scheduled for a colonoscopy at UConn Health and have problems with the preparation and/or have questions during the evening hours (after 4:30 p.m.) or on the weekend call t and ask for the GI fellow on call.