Ask your doctor for a recommended time frame for taking the medication. It’s best to take it well before bedtime, as you’ll need to use the restroom often for the next several hours. However, everyone’s experience is different. If your colonoscopy is scheduled before 11:00 a. m. , then you’ll likely take your first dose between 4:00 p. m. and 6:00 p. m. If your appointment is after 11:00 a. m. , then you’ll likely take the first dose between 6:00 p. m. and 8:00 p. m. Then, finish your morning dose and accompanying water at least 4 hours before your appointment. [1] X Trustworthy Source University of Wisconsin Health Integrated healthcare system of the University of Wisconsin focused on treating and providing support to patients and public health initiatives Go to source
Your SUPREP kit should come with a mixing bottle that has a line at the 16 fl oz (470 mL) point. This allows you to pour your SUPREP into the bottle, then add water up to the mark. It’s best to use bottled water to dilute your SUPREP.
Sip rather than taking big gulps. If you feel a little nauseous, take a break before drinking more.
You might become dehydrated because the SUPREP causes you to have diarrhea so your colon will be empty for your test. When you have diarrhea, your body loses fluids. You need to drink more fluids to replace what’s being lost. Drinking cold water after the SUPREP can also help you avoid nausea and vomiting. It washes away the flavor of the medicine and helps soothe you.
It’s also a good idea to use cold water to dilute your SUPREP. Even if the medication is at room temperature, cold water can make the mixture more palatable. Only add flavoring to your SUPREP if your doctor provided it in your kit or approved it. Some flavor packets may be okay, but it’s possible to mess up your test results. For example, don’t use anything with red coloring, as it might look like blood on your test. [5] X Research source
Your kit won’t come with a straw, so you’ll need to get one from somewhere else. You can find one at a local fast food joint, or you could buy a pack of straws.
When brushing, don’t go too far back, as this can trigger a vomiting reaction.
Good options include lemon drops, butterscotch candies, and yellow or white Lifesavers or Jolly Ranchers. If you’re in doubt, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
To check if a liquid is clear, see if you can read through it. For example, apple juice has a slight color to it, but you can still read or see through it. However, orange juice is completely opaque. You can drink apple juice, but not orange juice. In addition to water, good options for clear liquids include Sprite, lemonade, and broth.
Common anti-nausea medications include prochlorperazine (Compazine), ondansetron (Zofran), promethazine (Phenergan), metoclopramide (Reglan). [7] X Research source If you take an anti-nausea medication, only take one. Always follow the instructions on the label and don’t combine multiple medications. Ask your doctor if an anti-nausea medication is right for you. They may prescribe one or recommend an over-the-counter option.
If you haven’t already, try disguising the taste of the SUPREP as described above. You can use hard candies that don’t contain red dyes.
You may need to call the facility where you are having the colonoscopy, depending on your doctor’s instructions. They should provide you this information when they prescribe the SUPREP.
Dehydration can be serious, so don’t hesitate to call your doctor.
