How to Use Miralax Prep

Colonoscopies are routinely prescribed for anyone over 50, and are the most effective life-saving screening test for colon cancer. In addition, this procedure can also help a gastroenterologist detect digestive disorders such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease. Undergoing a colonoscopy requires a thorough bowel cleansing done at home the day before the procedure. A recent innovation in the preparation process, which many consider to be worse than the actual procedure itself, is the MiraLAX/Gatorade Cleanse Prep method, which allows you to prepare for a colonoscopy and effectively cleanse the bowel in a way that actually tastes good.

Things You'll Need

• 238 gram bottle of MiraLAX
• 64 oz. Gatorade or G2, (NOT red, orange or purple)
• 4 Dulcolax tablets
• Gallon glass pitcher
• Ice

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Instructions

• 1

  Purchase all the items on the list at least two days prior to the colonoscopy, as well as assorted "clear liquids," the only things you are allowed to consume the day before the procedure. Clear liquids are anything you can see or read through: apple juice, water, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Crystal Light, popsicles, broth, tea and coffee are all acceptable. Gather a variety of reading materials, as you will be in the bathroom for a long time, and a bucket, in the event that you feel need to vomit while you are "sitting."

• 2

  On the day before your procedure, take all four Dulcolax tablets around 4 p.m. Begin the prep procedure at 6 or 7 p.m. Pour the contents of the MiraLAX bottle and the 64 oz. Gatorade into the pitcher, add ice and stir. Let the "punch" sit for five minutes for the solution to fully dissolve. This will taste better if you drink it cold.

• 3

  Drink 8 oz. of the "punch" every 20 to 30 minutes until the pitcher is empty. This will take take two and a half to four hours. Expect to have some mild cramping as the diarrhea begins, which should subside as you go along. You may need to go to the bathroom 10 to 15 times before the cleansing is complete, so stay very close to one as soon as you take the Dulcolax, and keep your reading materials handy. If you become nauseated, take a break for an hour and resume. Drinking through a straw may help.

• 4

  You may not eat or drink anything, including water, for six hours prior to your procedure. Your physician will require that you have someone available to drive you home. Check your instructions for appointment check-in time, usually one hour prior to the procedure. At this point the hard part is over. The prep is much more difficult than the procedure. You will be given sedation and will not feel a thing.

• 5

  As soon as the procedure is over you will be allowed to eat and drink. It is advised you start slowly. Take bottled water and crackers to eat on the way home. Take it easy for the rest of the day, and the following day you can resume normal activities.