Video Capsule Endoscopy Instructions With Miralax

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VIDEO CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY INSTRUCTIONS W/ MIRALAX
PLEASE PURCHASE	Purchase over the counter at your local pharmacy Miralax 238 gram bottle Gatorade – one 28 (or 32) oz bottle (No Red, Purple or Orange Color) Simethicone (Gas-X)
7 DAYS BEFORE	Stop fiber supplements and iron supplements, including multivitamins Stop GLP-1 Agonists (weight loss medications) 1 week prior to your exam
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, ginger ale, Jell-O, 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 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 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. Do not apply any lotion to your abdominal skin at least 12 hours before the procedure time 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-X) tablets before coming to the office Wash your abdominal skin with soap as close to the procedure time as possible Wear loose, two-piece clothing. The area around your navel (about 4 inches above and below) must be easily accessible. Do not wear a belt. Do not apply any medication patches or pumps on the area in which the link device will be applied Do not wear lip balm or lipstick.
IN OFFICE ARRIVAL	8:00 AM: Arrive for check-in and to sign consent forms An adhesive sensor patch will be placed on your abdomen 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 (colorless) liquids such as water, apple juice, ginger ale, clear broth, or tea/coffee without milk or cream. Avoid red, purple, or orange liquids. After 4 hours continue clear liquids. You may have a light snack such as toast, crackers, applesauce, a banana, plain rice, or yogurt. Avoid large meals, high-fiber, greasy, or strongly colored foods.
AFTER SWALLOWING THE CAPSULE	SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: Be sure the adhesive sensor remains securely attached to your abdomen for the duration of your procedure. The capsule endoscopy lasts approximately 8-12 hours. You do not have to remain in the office during this time. 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. Handle the PillCam Genius link device with care. Do not take a bath or shower, and avoid swimming or heavy activity while wearing it. Do not remove the link device until the procedure is complete.
AFTER COMPLETING THE PROCEDURE	END OF THE EXAM The LED light on the link device will turn off and stay off, which indicates the procedure is complete. In addition, you may feel a vibration and hear an audible tone. This will occur 8-12 hours after you initially swallowed the capsule. Remove the link device from your abdomen by peeling the adhesive layer away from the skin. Fold in half so the two adhesive surfaces touch each other. Insert the link device into the anti-static bag provided in your kit. Return the link device to your physician’s office at 8:00 AM the following morning – at 55 West 17th Street New York, NY 10011 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. If you are not sure that the capsule has passed out of your body and you develop unexplained nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, or fevers then contact your doctor for evaluation. Undergoing an MRI while the PillCam capsule is inside your body may result in damage to your intestinal tract or abdominal cavity. If you are not certain the capsule is out of your body, contact your physician for evaluation and possible abdominal X-ray before undergoing an MRI examination.

Updated on Sep 16, 2025 by Dr. Shawn Khodadadian (Gastroenterologist) of Manhattan Gastroenterology