What If I Can't Drink All My Miralax?

Patients preparing for a colonoscopy are required to complete a preparation routine involving Miralax or other over-the-counter laxative. Doctors generally request patients to create a solution of 8.3 oz. of Miralax in 64 oz of Gatorade, ingested at 15-minute intervals over two hours. If you have difficulty followiing the recommended dosage, you have some alternatives.

Extend Time

• If you are unable to complete a dose 15 minutes following the previous dose, wait another 15 minutes. As the Allied Gastrointestinal Associates suggest, if you are still unable to take the next dose, continue to extend the interval.

Decrease Dose

• Ingest the solution at 6-oz. doses, rather than 8-oz. doses. This will require a change in the time required to complete the entire solution.

Medicate Side-effects

• Take only Tylenol for headaches. The Allied Gastrointestinal Associates warn that no other over-the-counter pain medications should not be used. Request a prescription from your doctor for nausea.

Chill Solution

• As the Associates in Gastroenterology suggest, keep the solution in the refrigerator. This will improve the taste. Do not use ice.

Contact Your Doctor

• If you are still unable to finish the solution, call your doctor. She may provide you with additional suggestions or solutions.