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VIDEO CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY INSTRUCTIONS W/ MIRALAX
PLEASE PURCHASE
  • Over the counter at local pharmacy
    • Miralax 238 gram bottle
    • Gatorade – one 28 (or 32) oz bottle (No Red, Purple or Orange Color)
    • Simethicone (Gas Ex)
7 DAYS BEFORE
  • Stop fiber supplements and iron supplements, including multivitamins
1 DAY BEFORE
  • MORNING:
    • Eat a light breakfast before 10 am the day before the procedure
    • After breakfast, consume only clear liquids including iced/hot tea, black coffee, clear broth, apple or white grape juice, gingerale, jello, ice pops (no red, purple, or orange color liquids)
    • Do not smoke for 24 hours prior to the procedure
  • 6PM:
    • Pour half of the Miralax bottle into the Gatorade bottle; shake until dissolved
    • Drink one 28 (or 32) oz bottle, a cup every 15 minutes until completed
  • Bowel movements should begin 1-2 hours after starting the Miralax/Gatorade mix but the effect can be delayed by up to 4-6 hours No candy or gum
    • By the end of the cleanse you should be passing watery liquid which can have a green to brown tinge
  • AFTER 10PM: Do not eat or drink anything. No candy or gum.
  • PATIENTS WITH DIABETES:
    • Consult with your prescribing doctor about medication adjustments the day before and the day of the procedure
DAY OF PROCEDURE
BEFORE COMING TO THE OFFICE
  • Do NOT eat or drink anything in the morning
  • Do NOT take your regular medications
    • Bring your medications to the test. You will be able to take your medications 4 hours after you swallow the video capsule
  • Chew four Simethicone (Gas Ex) tablets before coming to the office
  • Wear a two-piece outfit with a loose fitting, cotton top that extends below the waist
ON OFFICE ARRIVAL
  • 8AM: Arrive for check in and sign consent form
    • A Sensor Belt will be placed around your waist and connected to small Data Recorder which you will wear over your shoulder
    • You will swallow a capsule the size of a large vitamin with water
AFTER SWALLOWING THE CAPSULE
  • DIET GUIDELINES:
    • Do not eat or drink for 2 hours after swallowing the capsule
    • After 2 hours you may drink clear liquids
    • After 4 hours you may have a light lunch and continue clears
  • SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
    • The Capsule endoscopy lasts approximately 8 hours. You do not have to remain in the office during this time.
    • Do not disconnect the equipment or remove the belt at any time during this period
    • You must stay away from any source of powerful electromagnetic fields, such as MRI or amateur (HAM) radio, until the capsule is passed in your stool
    • 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. Contact the office immediately if the blinking stops
    • Return to the office 8 hours after swallowing the capsule to have the equipment removed.
    • After the examination is completed you may return to your normal diet.
    • The capsule will pass in your stool over the coming days; you do NOT need to retrieve the capsule.
WHEN TO CONTACT THE OFFICE (212 427 8761)
  • If you suffer from any abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting during or after the Capsule Endoscopy
  • The Capsule light stops blinking blue during the exam or should you encounter other technical difficulties
Updated on Jan 22, 2024 by Dr. Shawn Khodadadian (Gastroenterologist) of Manhattan Gastroenterology