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How to Prepare for Your Gynecological (GYN) Surgery with Miralax



Please read this entire handout carefully. It will help you prepare for your scheduled GYN procedure or surgery. It has detailed instructions for you to follow before and after your procedure. There may be medication instructions that begin as early as 5 days before your procedure.



We want to make sure you are well prepared for your procedure. If you have any questions, please call us at the number your health care team provided. We are glad to answer any questions about your scheduled procedure.



Before Your Procedure

Getting Your Miralax® Kit at the Pharmacy

You will need:

  • OTC (over the counter) bottle of Miralax 



  • A large pitcher that holds 2 liters of fluid. (You need this pitcher for the Miralax prep)

Medications and Supplements

  • If you take any medications (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).

  • Also, speak with your doctor if you take vitamins and/or supplements.

  • 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.

 

One (1) 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.



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: Prepare the Miralax® Solution

  • Pour the entire 238 gram bottle of Miralax® into a large pitcher.

  • Then add 64 ounces of water or any clear liquid (for example, apple juice, ginger ale, etc.) to the pitcher.

  • Once the Miralax® is dissolved, you can put the prep in the fridge. It may taste better if a little cold.

    • If you had your prep in the fridge and you start to feel too cold while drinking it, take it out of the fridge. Let the prep sit for 15 minutes. Then restart your prep as the fluid warms up.



Step 2: Start Drinking the Miralax Prep

  • At 8:00am, start drinking the Miralax. Drink 8 ounces every 15 minutes until complete.

  • It is important that you drink all of the prep.

  • If you feel nauseous, stop drinking until this feeling goes away. Continue your prep, spacing your time farther apart (8 ounces every 20-30 minutes).

  • You will start having watery bowel movements about 2 hours after you start drinking the prep.

  • The color of your bowel movements will get lighter as you drink the prep. They will also get watery.

  • Drink plenty of clear liquids all day and evening until you go to bed. This will help you stay hydrated and feel better!



Antibiotic Prep

  • Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic prep for your procedure.

  • If so, you will take Flagyl 500 mg: Take at 1pm, 2pm, and 11pm.



Helpful Tips

  • If you have nausea with vomiting during the prep, take a break. This happens to many patients. It is ok to take a break for about 30 minutes. Then start drinking it again at a slower pace. You must drink the entire prep though.

  • Keep the prep in the fridge for a while. This may make it taste better.

  • Drink the prep through a straw. This may make it easier to drink.

  • Walk between drinking each glass. This can help ease bloating.

  • Suck on hard candies.

  • Use baby wipes instead of toilet paper. They may feel better.

  • Apply some Vaseline or Desitin to your anal area / between your buttocks. Do this before start the prep. It can relieve irritation. Re-apply as needed. You can also use OTC 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 keeps you hydrated so you do not feel weak!

 

 

 

©2024 NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. Last revised: Nov. 2024. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.