The bowel-cleansing product, diet and timing depend on the appointment and clinical circumstances.
Key points
- Follow the preparation supplied by the endoscopy service.
- Do not copy another person’s bowel-preparation dose or schedule.
- Discuss diabetes medicines, blood thinners and other treatments early.
On this page
Use the service’s own preparation plan
Read the instructions early enough to ask questions and obtain the correct prescribed preparation.
Tell the team about your health
List your medicines, allergies and relevant conditions. Kidney or heart problems, diabetes and previous difficulties with bowel preparation may change the instructions. Do not stop prescribed treatments without the responsible clinician’s advice.
Clarify food, fluids and timing
Ask what you may eat and drink, when the restrictions begin and what to do if you vomit or cannot complete the preparation. A generic “nothing after midnight” rule may not match your actual appointment.
Plan the day and return journey
Confirm sedation arrangements, whether you need an accompanying adult and the restrictions afterwards. Ask how and when results are explained and who to contact if you develop a problem.
Related planning guides
Editorial update: 25 October 2026. Information for planning and discussion; follow your own treating team’s instructions.