Good preparation and an empty colon are essential for a successful colonoscopy. Any residue may obscure the view of your colon and rectum during the exam.

 

The MEROKEN is a laxative drink used to empty the bowels before a colonoscopy.

The MEROKEN is by prescription.

Store the 3 liter bottle of MEROKEN in the refrigerator.

Before drinking, you may add lemon juice to the MEROKEN. Do not add sugar.

 

General instructions:

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• Diabetic patients must monitor their blood sugar as soon as preparation begins.

• It is recommended to interrupt diabetic medications 24 hours prior to the procedure.

• It is recommended to interrupt treatment with aspirin and Plavix (clopidogrel) one week before the procedure, following approval from your general practitioner/ treating cardiologist.

• It is recommended to stop treatment with Pradaxa, Eliquis, Xarelto three days before the procedure following approval from your treating cardiologist/hematologist.

 

Dietary instructions:

 

Three days before the procedure:

Starting three days before your colonoscopy, do not eat high-fiber foods including fruits, vegetables, all-grain and whole wheat bread, bran, oats, granola and red meat.

Avoid foods that contain red, blue or purple dyes that may interfere with the test.

You can eat low-fiber foods such as dairy products, white bread, eggs, fish, coffee, tea, strained fruit juice, clear broth, pasta and white rice.

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Two days before the procedure:

Continue eating only low-fiber foods and avoid foods that contain red, blue or purple dyes. 

Take one laxadin tablet (5mg) in the morning.

If you did not have a bowel movement, take an additional laxadin tablet (5mg) in the evening.

 

One day before the procedure:

Continue eating low-fiber foods until 13:00, avoiding foods that contain red, blue or purple dyes.

At 13:00, you can take one pramin tablet (10 mg) with a glass of water to prevent nausea (optional).

From 13:00, begin a clear-liquid diet (water, apple juice, clear carbonated beverages, tea, clear broth). Solid foods are not permitted.

At 13:30 begin drinking the first half (1.5 liters) of the MEROKEN laxative drink (1 glass every 20 minutes, for a total of 5-6 glasses).

After drinking the MEROKEN, stay close to a bathroom.

At 18:00 drink the remaining 1.5 liters of MEROKEN laxative drink (1 glass every 20 minutes, for a total of 5-6 glasses).

If you experience nausea, you may take one pramin tablet (10 mg) with a glass of water (your prescription included 2 tablets).

 

On the day of the procedure:

Do not eat solid foods.

Drink only clear liquids.

 

Do not drink anything for at least two hours before the procedure.

 

PLEASE ARRANGE FOR SOMEONE TO DRIVE YOU HOME AFTER THE COLONOSCOPY. 

DRIVING IS FORBIDDEN FOR 12 HOURS AFTER SEDATION.

WITHOUT A COMPANION WHO CAN DRIVE YOU HOME, YOUR PROCEDURE WILL NOT BE PERFORMED.

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