Omnipaque – 3 Dose Bowel Preparation (Morning) Patient information leaflet (567kB 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 Omnipaque 300
- It is essential you take the three 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.
- Your Omnipaque is supplied in 3 X 50ml bottles.
- To make one dose, mix one bottle of the Omnipaque with an equal amount (50mls) 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 12pm | You can have clear soups such as Bovril or Oxo. Take one of the bottles of Omnipaque (50ml) Remember to continue to drink plenty of clear fluids throughout the day. |
4pm | Take one of the bottles of Omnipaque (50ml) Remember to drink an additional 500ml of water following this dose. |
8pm | Take another bottle (50ml) of Omnipaque at 8pm. 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
Omnipaque may make you feel nauseated or be sick. The lack of solid food can trigger nausea. We suggest you drink plenty of clear fluid to help prevent this. We advise you to remain in easy reach of a toilet as this preparation may cause multiple, often urgent bowel movements. 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

