Before your test
How to prepare for an endoscopy: fasting, medicines and what to bring
An upper GI endoscopy needs very little preparation: an empty stomach, a check of your medicines and someone to take you home if you have sedation. An empty stomach lets the doctor see the lining clearly and keeps you safe during the test. Enter your test time below to get your own plan.
In short
Nothing to eat for at least 6 hours before the test. Small sips of plain water are fine until 2 hours before, then nothing at all. Take BP and thyroid tablets with a small sip of water, check diabetes medicines and blood thinners with your doctor, and come with an adult if you will have sedation.
Your plan, with dates and times →
Your plan, with dates and times
Enter the date and time of your test. The plan below updates to show exactly when to do each step.
- 1 day beforeConfirm your medicine plan with your doctor: blood thinners, diabetes medicines and insulin.
- 6 hours beforeLast light meal. Nothing to eat after this.
- 2 hours beforeLast sips of plain water. Nothing by mouth after this.
- 30 minutes beforeReach the hospital with an adult who can take you home if you have sedation.
- At the test timeEndoscopy
This is a general plan. If your hospital gives you a different instruction sheet, follow theirs.
Eating and drinking before an endoscopy
Food left in the stomach hides the lining and can be brought up during the test.
Until 6 hours before
- A light meal: khichdi, idli, poha, toast or dal-chawal
- Avoid heavy, fried or very spicy food the night before
- For a morning test, have dinner by about 10 pm
In the last 6 hours
- No food, chewing gum, paan or tobacco
- No milk, tea with milk or juice
- No smoking on the morning of the test
Until 2 hours before
- Small sips of plain water
- Your morning BP and thyroid tablets with a sip of water
- Nothing at all in the last 2 hours
Medicines to check before the test
Do not stop any medicine on your own. Tell your doctor about these when the test is booked:
Blood thinners
Some can continue for a simple endoscopy; others are paused if biopsies or treatment are likely. This is planned with the doctor who prescribed them.
Diabetes medicines and insulin
You will be fasting, so the morning dose usually needs to change. Bring your glucometer and something sweet for after the test.
Acidity tablets
If the test is to look for H. pylori, you may be asked to stop acidity tablets for about 2 weeks before, as they can hide the infection.
BP, heart and thyroid tablets
Usually taken as normal on the morning of the test with a small sip of water.
What to bring
Tick them off the night before.
After the test
- If you had sedation, you rest for 30 to 60 minutes. Do not drive or sign important papers for the rest of the day.
- Eat and drink once the throat numbness wears off, usually after about an hour. Start with something light.
- A mild sore throat or bloating for a few hours is common.
- The doctor explains the findings the same day. Biopsy reports usually take 5 to 7 days.
Call the hospital or go to an emergency department if you have
- Severe chest, neck or belly pain after the test
- Vomiting blood or black, tarry stools
- Fever, breathlessness or difficulty swallowing
Common questions
Can I drink water before an endoscopy?
Small sips of plain water are usually fine until 2 hours before the test. After that, nothing at all.
Can I take my BP tablet?
Yes, BP, heart and thyroid tablets are usually taken in the morning with a small sip of water. Diabetes medicines are different: ask your doctor.
How long does an endoscopy take?
The test itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes. With preparation and recovery, plan for 1 to 2 hours at the hospital.
Is an endoscopy painful?
No, for most people. With a throat spray or light sedation you may feel pressure or the urge to burp, but not pain.
When can I eat after the test?
Once the throat numbness wears off, usually after about an hour. Start with something light, such as water, then a light meal.