Suprep is a mixture of Sodium, potassium, and magnesium sulfate solution used to clean out the intestines before a certain bowel exam procedure (colonoscopy). It is a laxative that works by drawing large amounts of water into the colon. This causes watery bowel movements. Clearing stool from the intestines helps your doctor to better examine the intestines during your procedure.
Suprep is not an over-the-counter medication, it is only available as a prescription from your provider to prepare you for a colon cleansing before a colonoscopy.
How to Take Suprep Bowel Prep Kit
- To use the ColPrep Kit®: The ColPrep Kit® contains 2 bottles of ColPrep®, taken as a 2-day regimen (Split-dose method). The powder must be mixed with water before it is used. Open 1 bottle of ColPrep Kit® and add water up to the neck of the bottle. Replace cap and shake well and mix thoroughly. Pour the mixed solution into the mixing container provided. Fill the mixing container with water up to the red 16-ounce fill line. Drink all of the liquid in the mixing container. Drink 2 more mixing containers filled up to the 16-ounce fill line with water over the next hour (32 ounces of additional water). Then, on the morning before the colonoscopy, repeat the same steps and complete all ColPrep Kit® solutions and the required amount of water at least 2 hours before the test.
- This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
- Drink extra fluids before, during, and after you use this medicine to help replace the fluids that will be lost during your bowel movement. Do not drink anything red or purple.
- You may drink water or other clear liquids up until 2 hours before the time of the test if your doctor says it is okay.
- To use the Suprep Bowel Prep Kit®: The Suprep Bowel Prep Kit® contains 2 bottles of this medicine, taken as a 2-day regimen (Split-dose method). On the evening before the colonoscopy, open 1 bottle of Suprep Bowel Prep Kit® and pour the contents into the mixing container provided. Fill the mixing container with cool water up to the 16-ounce fill line for adults or 12-ounce fill line for children. Drink all of the liquid in the mixing container. Drink 2 more mixing containers filled up to the 16-ounce fill line for adults or 12-ounce fill line for children with water over the next hour (32 ounces for adults or 24 ounces for children of additional water). Then, in the morning (10 to 12 hours after the evening dose) before the colonoscopy, repeat the same steps and complete all Suprep Bowel Prep Kit® solutions and the required amount of water at least 2 hours before the test.
- You may eat a light breakfast or drink clear liquids (including water, strained fruit juice without pulp, lemonade, plain coffee or tea, chicken broth, gelatin without fruit) on the day before your colonoscopy.
- Drink extra fluids before, during, and after you use this medicine to help replace the fluids that will be lost during your bowel movement. Do not drink anything red or purple.
- This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- You may drink water or other clear liquids up until 2 hours before the time of the test if your doctor says it is okay.
What is the best liquid to mix with Suprep?
Use Sprite, Ginger ale, or pulp-free lemonade to mix the solution. Drink the mixture with a straw. Suck on a lemon, or hard candy, or eat sorbet after each sip. Do not chug the solution; take a break if you feel nauseous.
Can I mix Suprep with Gatorade instead of water?
Yes, regular Gatorade, Gatorade G2, Powerade, or Powerade Zero are acceptable liquids to mix with Suprep.
When will you have a bowel movement after taking Suprep Bowel Prep Kit?
Bowel movements can happen pretty quickly after taking Suprep. Most people will expect a bowel movement about 1 hour after beginning Suprep Bowel Prep Kit. You should follow all the directions as prescribed by your provider. If you haven’t had a bowel movement by midnight, the night before your procedure, you’ll need to call your healthcare provider for further instructions.
Do I have to drink the second bottle of Suprep Bowel Prep Kit?
Yes, you must drink both doses of Suprep Bowel Prep Kit for a complete bowel prep before colonoscopy. Six hours prior to your arrival for your procedure, begin drinking the second dose of Suprep. Drink ALL the liquid in the container and you must drink 2 more 16 ounce containers of water within one hour. The solution must be completely finished four hours prior to arrival at the facility. You should follow the directions exactly as prescribed by your provider.
What if I can’t finish the second bottle of Suprep?
It is very important that you complete the recommended dose of Suprep. If you start to feel nauseous, take a break of around half an hour in between sips. A ginger hard candy or lemon slice may be helpful. Some find drinking it cold and through a straw helpful, and others mix it with a sports drink or powdered drinks mix.
Does the second dose of Suprep work faster?
Although there are usually 10-12 hours between the 1st and 2nd dose of Suprep, bowel movements can happen pretty quickly after taking the first dose of the drug. Most people will experience a bowel movement about 1 hour after beginning Suprep.
However, some people will begin to have multiple urgent bowel movements within 30 minutes of drinking the solution and others may not have a bowel movement for 3-4 hours. We encourage everyone to stay within close range of a bathroom after beginning to drink the preparation because the second dose of Suprep can sometimes trigger a more intense laxative effect in some people.
What to do if you vomit Suprep after the first bottle and still have the 2nd bottle to go?
It is not uncommon for patients to feel nauseous and even vomit while taking Suprep or other bowel cleansing preparations including Coloprep. If you start to feel nauseous, take a break of around half an hour in between sips. If you are having difficulty tolerating the Suprep, you must consult with the surgery.
Vomiting will reduce the effectiveness of Suprep in preparing the colon and you risk having to reschedule your procedure. If you have had this problem previously, then discuss with your prescriber whether an anti-nausea tablet would be an option.
