GATORADE®/MIRALAX® BOWEL PREPARATION - Colonoscopy Preparation Supplies and Timeline

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Stanley

GATORADE®/MIRALAX® bowel preparation guidance for colonoscopy outlines what to obtain in advance, including Miralax® (with allowance for generic substitution), Dulcolax® laxative tablets, and 96 ounces of Gatorade in Orange or Lemon-Lime flavors. It also covers optional simethicone anti-gas tablets to improve preparation quality, plus a structured timeline for the day before the procedure. Tips emphasize hydration, gradual drinking if nausea occurs, finishing the full regimen, expected stool appearance, and contacting the office if results are inadequate.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED TO PREPARE IN ADVANCE?

TIMELINE OF YOUR COLONOSCOPY PREPARATION

PREPARATION TIPS

Digestive Health Center GATORADE®/MIRALAX® BOWEL PREPARATION WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED TO PREPARE IN ADVANCE? 1. Obtain Miralax® from your pharmacy. It is okay to substitute a generic version of the brand name Miralax® . This is an over-the-counter stool softener and no prescription is needed. ➢ Purchase an 8.3 oz. (238 grams) bottle AND 4.1 oz. (119 grams) bottle. If you are not sure which size bottles to purchase, please ask your pharmacy to assist you with finding the correct sizes. 2. Obtain Dulcolax® laxative (not the stool softener) from your pharmacy. ➢ You will need a total of 4 Dulcolax® laxative tablets. It is okay to substitute a generic version of the brand name Dulcolax® . No prescription is needed. 3. Obtain a total of 96 ounces of Gatorade. ➢ You can buy three 32-ounce bottles. Please purchase only Orange or Lemon-Lime flavored Gatorade® . If you are diabetic, you can try “G2®”(low calorie Gatorade®) or “Powerade® Option/Zero” as another choice. 4. Please also pick up simethicone anti-gas tablets (Gas-X or any generic brand) which are available over-thecounter without a prescription. While this medicine isn't required, taking it as detailed below will improve the quality of your bowel preparation. TIMELINE OF YOUR COLONOSCOPY PREPARATION | The Day Before Your Procedure | | | --- | --- | | 1:00pm | Swallow 2 Dulcolax® tablets. | | 5:00pm | Mix the entire container of Miralax® powder with 96 ounces of Gatorade® . Make sure you shake it up, so powder is fully dissolved. Begin drinking mix. Drink 8 ounces every 15 minutes until it is completed.
Chew two tablets of simethicone 125mg chewable tablets. This can be purchased over-thecounter. This step is preferred, but not essential. | | 8:00pm | Swallow the 2 remaining Dulcolax® tablets. | PREPARATION TIPS 1. Since the bowel preparation will cause diarrhea, it is important to stay hydrated. Make a conscious effort to drink clear liquids throughout the day to prevent dehydration. 2. Try drinking the preparation with a straw as this may be easier to tolerate. 3. If you start to feel nauseated, you can pause for 20-30 minutes and then begin drinking the solution more slowly. Some patients say that walking around helps relieve their nausea. 4. Be sure to finish the entire prep or else the colon may not clean adequately which may result in you needing to repeat your colonoscopy within 6-12 months. 5. Your output/bowel movements should be clear (or yellow) after you’ve completed the bowel preparation. If you are still seeing solid stool/brown stool after completing the 2nd dose, please call our office 312-695-5620.

FAQs

What supplies are needed for GATORADE®/MIRALAX® bowel preparation before a colonoscopy?

You need Miralax® (two bottle sizes), Dulcolax® laxative tablets totaling 4, and 96 ounces of Gatorade (Orange or Lemon-Lime). You may also pick up simethicone anti-gas tablets to improve preparation quality.

What is the timeline for the day before the colonoscopy?

At 1:00pm, swallow 2 Dulcolax® tablets. At 5:00pm, mix Miralax® powder with 96 ounces of Gatorade®, drink 8 ounces every 15 minutes until finished, and chew two simethicone 125mg tablets if using. At 8:00pm, swallow the remaining 2 Dulcolax® tablets.

How should I manage diarrhea or nausea during bowel preparation?

Stay hydrated by drinking clear liquids throughout the day. If nausea starts, pause for 20–30 minutes and then resume more slowly; walking may help relieve nausea.

What should my bowel movements look like after completing the prep, and when should I call the office?

After completing the preparation, output should be clear (or yellow). If you still see solid or brown stool after the second dose, call the office at 312-695-5620.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Stanley