This information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your physician or make an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition. Exención de responsabilidad en Español | Complete disclaimer
Polyethylene Glycol 3350/Gatorade Colonoscopy Preparation
If the patient has kidney disease or severe heart or liver disease, the patient should NOT use this preparation.
The patient should plan to start this bowel cleansing preparation the day before the scheduled procedure. Plan to be near a bathroom from the time the preparation is started until the end of the evening. The patient’s bowels may begin to move in about thirty to sixty (30–60) minutes. Feelings of nausea and bloating are common and resolve with time. An A+D type ointment applied to the rectal area can help with any irritation in that area. The goal is for the patient’s stool to be clear or light yellow water.
Supplies:
- Two (2) bisacodyl tablets, which are available at any pharmacy. No prescription needed.
- Polyethylene glycol 3350 powder, which is available at any pharmacy. No prescription needed. Also sold under the name MiraLAX.
- Choice A: Buy one (1) 238-gram bottle of polyethylene glycol 3350 powder
or
- Choice B: Buy two (2) 119-gram bottles of polyethylene glycol 3350 powder
Note: The 255-gram bottle of generic polyethylene glycol 3350 powder (or GlycoLax) currently requires a prescription. Be sure to get the non-prescription polyethylene glycol 3350
- Choice A: Buy one (1) 238-gram bottle of polyethylene glycol 3350 powder
- Two (2) 32-ounce bottles of Gatorade G2 (64 ounces total). It must be Gatorade G2. Do not substitute. Gatorade G2 is the only acceptable drink for mixing with the bowel preparation.
Optional Supplies:
- A+D type ointment for rectal irritation.
One day before the procedure, refer to the booklet titled “Colonoscopy: A Guide for Patients” for complete procedure information.
____ Between 12 noon and 5 pm the day before the colonoscopy, take two (2) bisacodyl tablets by mouth with water. Do not crush or chew. Do not take within one (1) hour of taking an antacid. The first bowel movement should occur one to six (1–6) hours after taking the tablets.
____ After the first bowel movement, or by 6:00 pm, for Choice A, mix one-half of a 238-gram (3/4 cup) of polyethylene glycol 3350 powder in 32 ounces of Gatorade G2. Drink this over one to two (1–2) hours. For Choice B, mix one (1) of the 119-gram bottles with 32 ounces of Gatorade G2. Drink this over one to two (1–2) hours.
____ Take the second dose the morning of your colonoscopy.
- To determine when to start the morning preparation, allow at least four (4) hours for the preparation, and add the driving time to the endoscopy unit. The closer this second dose of the preparation is taken to the actual procedure, the better the preparation will be!
- Mix the remaining one-half bottle of polyethylene glycol 3350 powder in another 32 ounces of Gatorade G2 or mix the second 119-gram bottle polyethylene glycol with 32 ounces of Gatorade G2. Drink this over one to two (1–2) hours.
Take other clear liquids between doses of the bowel preparation. Drinking at least one (1) gallon of clear liquids during the evening will improve the quality of bowel cleansing. See the colonoscopy booklet for allowed liquids. Stop drinking liquids two (2) hours before the scheduled appointment time.
