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How to Prepare for Your Colonoscopy with Suprep®
(Sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate)

Please read this entire handout carefully today to prepare for your scheduled colonoscopy 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 colonoscopy. 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

Getting Your Suprep® Kit and Laxatives (if directed) at the Pharmacy

  • Your doctor will give you a prescription for Suprep®. Pick up your Suprep® at your pharmacy at least one day before your procedure.
  • Each Suprep® kit contains 2 bottles and one container. You will take your Suprep® in divided doses.
  • Only if your doctor directs, buy over the counter laxative bisacodyl (brand name: Dulcolax®). You will need to take 2 tablets. Do not buy docusate, which is a stool softener, and is not the same.
  • Only if your doctor directs, buy over the counter simethicone (brand names: Gas-X®, Mylicon®, Phazyme®) drops or pills.


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.


Beginning Three Days Before Your Procedure

  • Do not eat corn, quinoa, lentils, peas, beans, fruits with seeds, leafy vegetables, red beets, nuts or anything with seeds. Do not eat these foods for three days before your colonoscopy. This way you are clear and clean before your procedure.


One Day Before Your Procedure

  • Begin a clear liquid diet as soon as you wake up (for example, water, clear juices, soda, sports drinks, plain tea or black coffee). Do not eat or drink food that is not clear. Do not drink milk, milkshakes, fruit or vegetable smoothies, juices that are not clear or alcohol until after your procedure. This is for your colon to be clear and clean for your procedure.
  • Do not drink red beet juice or any liquid with seeds.
  • Drink as much liquid as you can. This will help make sure you are prepared for and feel strong on the day of your colonoscopy.


Starting the Preparation (One Day before the Procedure)

Note: Prep start times may differ by doctor. Your doctor will confirm start times with you.

Step 1: Preparing the First Dose of Suprep®

  • Only if your doctor directs, take the 2 bisacodyl (Dulcolax®) laxative tablets 2-4 hours before starting to drink your prep. Drink the tablets with 8 ounces of water or other clear liquids.
  • At 6:00 pm, pour one 6-ounce bottle of Suprep® into the container provided in your kit.
  • Add tap or bottled water up to the 16-ounce line on the top of the container. Then mix the solution.
  • Drink all of the solution in the container (8 ounces every 10-15 minutes).
  • After you have finished drinking the solution, drink two more 16-ounce containers of plain water (with no Suprep® in it). Drink these two containers of water over the next 1-2 hours.
  • You will start to have watery bowel movements about 2 hours after starting to drink the solution.
  • Be mindful that during the prep, your bowel movements will be lighter in color and watery.
  • You should finish all of the prep solution. This helps to make sure your colon is as clean and clear as it can be and helps you have a better procedure.


Step 2: Mix and Drink the Second Dose of Suprep®

  • If your procedure is scheduled before 11:30 am, drink the second bottle of Suprep® starting at 9:00 pm the night before the colonoscopy.
  • If your procedure is scheduled for 12:00 noon or after, drink the second bottle of Suprep® starting at 6:00 am the day of your procedure.
  • Prepare the second dose by pouring one 6-ounce bottle of Suprep® into the container provided. Only if your doctor directs, add 2 droppers full of simethicone liquid to the Suprep®. If you bought simethicone pills, take 2 pills and then start drinking the prep.
  • Add tap or bottle water up to the 16-ounce line on the top of the container. Then mix the solution.
  • Drink all of the solution in the container (8 ounces every 10-15 minutes).
  • After you have finish drinking the solution, drink two more 16-ounce containers of plain water (with no Suprep® in it). Drink these two containers of water over the next 1-2 hours.


Helpful Tips

  • Please note that some patients may have nausea with vomiting during the prep. If this happens to you, take a break from drinking the prep for about 30 minutes. Then start drinking it again but at a slower pace. You must drink the entire dose.
  • Keeping the prep in the fridge for a while may make it taste better.
  • Drinking the prep through a straw may make it easier to drink.
  • Walking between drinking each glass can help ease bloating.
  • Sucking on hard candies may help.
  • Using baby wipes instead of toilet paper may feel better.
  • You may apply some Vaseline® or Desitin® to your anal area / between your buttocks before starting the prep. This helps with irritation. Reapply as needed. You can also use over the counter hydrocortisone creams, hemorrhoid treatments or Tucks®.
  • Stay close to a toilet during the prep. You may have several bowel movements during this time. The prep often works within 30 minutes but may take as long as 3 hours.
  • Remember: The key to a good prep is to drink plenty of liquids throughout the day. This not only cleans out your colon but also keeps you strong!


The Day of Your Procedure

  • Stop all drinking/eating (including the prep, chewing gum, and hard candies) 2 hours before your scheduled procedure.
  • Bring a list of your medications with you on the day of your procedure.
  • Take your medications as prescribed with small sips of water (if needed) the morning of your procedure. Do this unless instructed otherwise (refer to the Medications and Supplements section on the first page). Discuss with your doctor the medications you can or cannot take.
  • Allow extra time to travel to your procedure. You may need to stop and use a restroom along the way.


After Your Procedure

  • We will give you medication to sedate you during your colonoscopy. 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.
  • If we remove a large polyp during your procedure, you may have a 10-day restriction on travel. Be aware of this in case you may have to change your routine and schedule during this time.
  • 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.