Capsule Endoscopy | Preparation Instructions

To ensure a successful exam, please follow all instructions carefully. Please bring a list of all your current medications, including any over-the-counter medications with you. If you must reschedule or cancel your appointment, please call 503-229-1883.

ONE WEEK BEFORE CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY

• Please notify our nursing staff if you have had any major health or medication changes since scheduling your procedure. This could affect your preparation instructions.
• Pick up the prescribed bowel preparation kit at your pharmacy. We recommend that you call your pharmacy prior to picking up the prep to ensure they have the prescription.
• Purchase Simethicone (Gas Ex) Chewable tablets.
• Stop Taking
  • Iron pills or vitamins with iron
  • Fish Oil
• Stop Eating
  • Seeds, nuts, tomatoes, berries, multigrain breads

ONE DAY BEFORE CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY

• No tobacco products 24 hours prior test
• Start clear liquid diet after lunch. No solid foods, red or purple liquids, chewing gum, and alcohol.
• No liquids after 10:00 pm. You may drink a sip of water to take regular evening medications.
• Drink ½ liter (16 oz.) of bowel prep solution around 6:00 pm. *Drinking through a straw may help with the taste. You may also suck on hard candy while drinking the solution.
• After finishing half of the prep solution, drink two (2) 8 oz. glasses of water.
• Nausea is common while drinking prep. If this occurs, stop drinking for 30 minutes before restarting. Walking around may help relieve nausea.
• Bowel movements usually occur within 3 hours of starting prep, but may take longer. It is recommended to stay near a restroom at this point.
• Patients that are Diabetic
  • Evening Dose Only: Take ½ the dose of your diabetic medication(s) the day before your procedure
  • No dose the day of the procedure

DAY OF CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY

• Nothing to eat or drink. No candy or chewing gum.
• Morning of capsule endoscopy, chew two Simthicone (Gas Ex) tablets. Do not take any other medications.
• Wear comfortable clothes; two-piece outfit is preferable.
• Arrive on time at the designated location with completed paperwork, photo ID, and insurance card.

AFTER INGESTING CAPSULE

• Nothing to eat or drink for at least two hours after ingesting capsule
• You may start clear liquids (apple, white grape, white cranberry), sports drinks, broth, popsicles, hard candy, coffee and tea without milk or cream) two hours after ingestion.
• You may have a light snack four hours after ingestion.
• You must stay away from any source of powerful electromagnetic fields, such as a MRI or amateur (HAM) radio, until the capsule is excreted.
• The capsule endoscopy should last approximately 8 hours. During this time, try to avoid any strenuous activity. Do not bend or stoop during the testing period.
• Avoid sudden movements and banging of the Data Recorder.
• During the testing period, you will need to confirm every 15 minutes that the small green/blue light on top of the recorder is blinking. Please contact our office if the blinking stops.
• Record the time and the nature of any events, such as: eating, drinking, and unusual sensations. Be sure to bring these notes when you return the equipment.
• Call our office if you experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or other concerning symptoms.

AFTER COMPLETING CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY

• Be sure to return all equipment. Instruction will be given at the beginning of the test.
• Contact our office if you cannot positively verify the excretion of the capsule, or if you develop unexplained abdominal pain or vomiting.