Colonoscopy preparation medications may be equally effective when taken either the night before or the day of the procedures, according to findings published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

For this study, more than 100 colonoscopy patients were split into two groups and were given either the entire dosage of the preparation drugs the morning of the procedure or half of the required amount of preparation drugs the night before and half in the morning.

While the researchers discovered that the group who was administered the full dose allowed physicians to detect polyps more accurately, approximately 90 percent of the images taken from both groups were clear enough to be used as results.

The team concluded that taking the preparation medication the day of the colonoscopy procedures lessened abdominal pain, improved sleeping and lowered interference with daily responsibilities.

David Kastenberg, a physician at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, stated that “the most important thing to consider during a colonoscopy are clear images.” He added that “during the procedure, I want to be able to have the best view to ensure that nothing is missed and all abnormalities are scrutinized.”

In 2009, a total of 106,100 people in the United States were diagnosed with colon cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.