Printable Colonoscopy Prep Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you have everything covered before your colonoscopy. Nothing here replaces your doctor's specific instructions — always follow those first.

One week before

• Confirm your procedure date, time, and location
• Arrange a ride home (you cannot drive after sedation)
• Pick up your prep solution from the pharmacy
• Read through all of your doctor's prep instructions
• Review your medication list with your doctor's office
• Ask about stopping blood thinners, iron supplements, or other medications
• Buy clear liquids and prep supplies (see shopping list below)
• Request time off from work for prep day and procedure day
• Confirm your insurance coverage if you haven't already

Shopping list

Stock up on these items a few days before your prep. Having everything on hand makes the process much smoother.

Clear liquids

• Clear sports drinks (not red or purple)
• Clear broth — chicken or vegetable
• Apple juice
• White grape juice
• Clear gelatin cups (not red or purple)
• Popsicles (not red or purple)
• Ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
• Tea and/or black coffee
• Extra bottled water

Bathroom supplies

• Moist wipes or flushable wet wipes
• Diaper cream or barrier cream (such as Desitin or Calmoseptine)
• Soft toilet paper
• Phone charger with a long cord
• Reading material, tablet, or entertainment

Comfort items

• Comfortable loose clothing (for prep day and procedure day)
• Lip balm (dehydration can dry out your lips)
• Hard candy or clear mints (for between glasses of prep)
• A blanket for the couch or near the bathroom
• Straws (drinking prep through a straw helps with the taste)

3 days before

• Start your low-fiber diet (see our what to eat guide)
• Stop iron supplements if your doctor instructed you to
• Avoid nuts, seeds, popcorn, corn, and raw vegetables
• Confirm your ride home for procedure day
• Check that you have all your supplies
• Stay well hydrated — drink plenty of water

Day before

• Switch to clear liquids only (typically starting in the morning)
• No solid food for the rest of the day
• Avoid red or purple colored drinks and gelatin
• Start your prep solution at the time specified by your doctor
• Stay near the bathroom once prep starts
• Drink extra clear fluids between prep doses to stay hydrated
• Set up your bathroom comfort station (see below)
• Set alarms for your morning dose if doing split-dose prep
• Lay out comfortable clothes for tomorrow
• Charge your phone
• Put the second dose in the fridge if applicable

Morning of

• Take your second prep dose at the scheduled time (if split-dose)
• Stop drinking at the time your doctor specified (usually 2–4 hours before)
• Take any approved morning medications with a small sip of water
• Shower and freshen up
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
• Leave jewelry, watches, and valuables at home
• Bring your photo ID
• Bring your insurance card
• Bring a list of current medications
• Bring your driver / confirm your ride
• Bring something to read or watch while waiting
• Do not eat or drink anything after your cutoff time

Setting up your bathroom

You'll be spending a lot of time in the bathroom during prep. A few minutes of setup beforehand can make a real difference in your comfort.

• Place moist wipes and barrier cream within easy reach
• Set up a phone charger near the toilet
• Have reading material, a tablet, or something to watch ready
• Keep a blanket or robe nearby — you may get chilly
• Make sure the path from your couch or bed to the bathroom is clear and well-lit
• Consider a nightlight if you'll be up in the middle of the night
• Place a glass and your clear liquids within reach to sip between trips
• Apply barrier cream proactively — don't wait until you're sore