Keeping your stomach empty before an upper endoscopy gives your doctor an unobstructed view—and it also protects you. You’ll receive a mild sedative, which slows muscle reflexes. As a result, if you have food in your stomach, it could backwash into your throat and end up in your lungs. Your doctor will ask you to avoid edibles and beverages for 4 to 12 hours before this test. You may also be asked to restrict medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen), blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, antidepressants and supplements. If you take diabetes medications, ask your doctor how to time them.

• It’s OK to brush your teeth, but avoid gum, candy, breath mints and even water within 4 hours of this test.
• If you're a smoker, skip cigarettes and other forms of tobacco within 6 hours of your test. It weakens a valve at the top of your stomach.
• You can take vitally important medications with your doctor’s OK within 2 hours of an endoscopy; have just a sip of water with them.
• Morning test? Don’t eat after midnight the night before. A light breakfast (toast with jelly, apple juice, black coffee) may be OK before an afternoon test.
• You’ll be asked to remove dentures, tongue rings and studs before the endoscope is inserted in your mouth, too.

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