Gastrografin- 2 Dose Bowel Preparation (Morning) Patient information leaflet (566kB pdf)
If your appointment is in the MORNING, follow the
instructions below
The following instructions are for appointments between 8am and 12 noon only – please check your appointment time.
How to take GASTROGRAFIN
- It is essential you take the two doses of the medication provided according to the following instructions (rather than the manufacturer’s leaflet). The preparation of the medication and a suggested timetable for food and medication has been provided to maximise the success of the procedure and reduce the amount of side effects experienced.
- Gastrografin is a 100ml ‘brown’ bottle.
- To make one dose, mix 50ml of the Gastrografin with an equal amount of
water. Stir until solution is clear or slightly hazy.
KEEP HYDRATED- DRINK ONE CUP OF WATER (250ml) EVERY HOUR
Suggested routine to prepare for your procedure
| The day before your procedure Breakfast 7-8am | Eat breakfast as normal, avoiding high fibre foods, fruits and vegetables. You may have milk and dairy products for breakfast. This will be the last solid meal until after your procedure. |
| 9am | From this time onwards, DO NOT EAT ANY SOLID FOOD, your bowel needs to be completely empty for your procedure. You can drink clear soups, soft drinks and black tea or coffee with sugar if you wish. |
| Lunch | You can have clear soups such as Bovril or Oxo. Remember to continue to drink plenty of clear fluids throughout the day. |
| 4pm | Take half of the Gastrografin (50ml) Remember to drink an additional 500ml of water following this dose. |
| 7-8pm | Take the last half of the Gastrografin (50ml) Remember to drink an additional 500ml of water following this dose. |
| The day of your procedure | DO NOT EAT ANYTHING. Remember to continue to drink plenty of clear fluids (one cup every hour), until an hour before your appointment time. Leave home in time for your hospital appointment. |
Possible Side Effects
Gastrografin may make you feel nauseated or be sick. The lack of solid food can
trigger nausea. We advise you to remain in easy reach of a toilet as Gastrografin
causes multiple, often urgent bowel movements. We suggest you drink plenty of clear
fluid to help prevent this. Occasionally an allergic reaction can occur, with or without a
rash, if you experience this please seek medical advice.
Foods and drinks information
Clear fluids include:
- Water
- Clear soup, Bovril, Oxo
- Fruit juice without pulp
- Soft drinks, Diluted cordials (except blackcurrant)
- Herbal tea, black tea no milk, black coffee no milk
