Miralax Split Dose Bowel Prep
This is a Split Dose Prep
CAUTION: Do not take this product if you have been told you have serious kidney problems, heart failure, a blockage in your intestine, toxic megacolon, have problems with emptying food and fluid from your stomach, or are allergic to any of the ingredients.
1. Note: MiraLAX is not an FDA approved bowel preparation, but has been found to be safe and effective for this purpose in multiple studies. If you have any questions or concerns, call us at 717-531-1318.
2. If you have been given ENHANCED BOWEL PREP INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONSTIPATION, ALSO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND CALL US WITH ANY QUESTIONS.
Several Days Before Your Colonoscopy
Obtain 4 Dulcolax (bisacodyl) laxative tablets — not stool softeners, 1 bottle (238 grams) of MiraLAX, and 1 64 ounce bottle of Gatorade (no red, orange, or purple dye) Please ask the pharmacist for assistance if you are not sure what to purchase.
The Day Before Your Colonoscopy
Drink only clear liquids such as water, apple juice, white grape juice, white cranberry juice, soda, lime or lemon Jell-O, bouillon, black coffee, plain tea (you can have sugar, but no cream), popsicles or flavor ices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Clear or lemon-lime Gatorade is helpful in keeping your body fluids balanced during this preparation. Please avoid red or purple dye. Solid food and milk products are prohibited. Please do not use marijuana or CBD products 24 hours prior to your procedure or the procedure may be cancelled.
At 3:00 P.M.: Take 4 Dulcolax (bisacodyl) tablets. Wait approximately 2 hours before continuing with the rest of the preparation. If you have to stay at work, you can change the time you take the tablets, but be sure to wait 2 hours before continuing with the next step.
At 5:00 P.M.: Mix ONE HALF bottle of MiraLAX (119 grams – 7 capfuls) in 32 ounces of Gatorade. Drink 1 8 ounce glass of the mixture every 15 to 20 minutes until finished. It will take you approximately 1 hour. You will begin to have bowel movements frequently during this time. Continue to drink clear liquids throughout the evening. HYDRATION IS IMPORTANT!
5-6 Hours Prior to Scheduled Arrival Time for the Exam
Mix the OTHER HALF of the MiraLAX (119 grams – 7 capfuls) in 32 ounces of Gatorade. Drink 1 8 ounce glass of the mixture every 15 to 20 minutes until finished. YOU MUST BE FINISHED DRINKING BEFORE FOUR (4) HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL TIME. DO NOT DRINK ANYTHING WITHIN THE 4 HOURS PRIOR YOUR ARRIVAL TIME OR YOUR PROCEDURE MAY BE CANCELLED.
If you are diabetic, please measure your blood sugar prior to coming in and bring your meter with you.
The better these instructions are followed, the better the bowel prep works. The quality of the bowel prep dictates how well your physician is able to do your procedure and find and remove small lesions and polyps to prevent colon cancer. This is the most important way to help you get a quality exam. You may also view this video regarding bowel preps.
NO HARD CANDY, GUM, SMOKING, BREATH MINTS, OR ANYTHING BY MOUTH 4 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR PROCEDURE. YOUR PROCEDURE MAY BE CANCELED IF THIS IS NOT FOLLOWED.
Call us at 717-531-1318 with any questions. For questions about the prep after 4:30 PM: Please call 717- 531-8521 and ask for the GI Attending physician on call.