How to Prepare for Your Upper GI Endoscopy
(Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)

Please read this entire handout carefully today to prepare for your scheduled endoscopy procedure. There may be medication instructions that begin as early as five days before your procedure. This handout has detailed instructions for before and after your procedure. We want to make sure you are well prepared for your endoscopy. If you have any questions, please call us at the number your doctor provided. We would be glad to answer any questions about your scheduled procedure.

Before Your Procedure

Medications and Supplements

• If you take any medications or vitamins (especially heart or diabetes medications or blood thinners), please speak with your doctor. Your doctor will let you know if/when you should stop taking your medication(s).
• Take your medications as prescribed with small sips of water (if needed) the day of your procedure. Do this unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
• Do not take antacids or Carafate on the day of your procedure.

Eating/Drinking before Your Procedure

• If your procedure is in the morning, do not eat or drink anything after midnight before the endoscopy except for essential medications.
• If your endoscopy is scheduled for the afternoon, you may have a clear liquid breakfast the morning of your procedure (at least four hours before your endoscopy). Examples of clear liquids are water, clear juices (without suspended particles), soda, Jell-O, sports drinks, plain tea and black coffee. Stop all drinking/eating (including chewing gum, and hard candies) 4 hours before your scheduled procedure except for essential medications.

After Your Procedure

• We will give you medication to sedate you during your endoscopy. This medication will relax you and make you feel comfortable. You must arrange for a responsible adult to escort you home for your safety. If you do not have a responsible adult who will pick you up or escort you via public transportation after your procedure, we must cancel it.
• Do not drive, ride a bike, make important legal/business decisions, be solely responsible for the care of small children, or operate heavy machinery for the rest of the day. This is because you may feel drowsy.
• Unless your doctor directs otherwise, you may resume your normal diet following the procedure.
  
  

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.