Miralax Bowel Prep

I have had two Colonospys. The next one I am going to do this. Fast two days ahead of time. Then 4 or 6 Ducolax tablets. After they start to work, drink two quarts of Gatoraide , I think it is the white mountain kind, and let that work. Then a couple of enemas, as much as I can hold, The the Dr. prescribes some stuff that is a gallon, I will mix 4 quarts of Gatoraide into that, they say use water and add flavor, just use the Gatoraide. I will drink all that. i am so sorry, i forgot to say i use Clearlax and not miralax because I can get 3 bottles for about $33 which is cheaper than miralax. They both are the same basicly.

He wanted a two step prep, but that meant getting up about 3 in the morning to start drinking. i said no way. I drank it all. Then I got up early like 5 am and did more enemas, 3 to 4 quarts each. I was finished about 7 am, off to the hospital for my date with the tube.

I wanted to be away, so they didn't put me out, I watched the whole thing., They asked if I had done the prep, I said yes, did they want to know what I did, they didn't ask, I didn't tell them. They said my colon was clean and I was good to go. I really wish I could have a colonospy each year. I felt so good after it.

I ate what I wanted after that. I have no problems and I was glad to know there was nothing wrong with my colon. Some piece of mind,.

I have had some other cancers, but those were on the skin and nothing to worry about.

I know many don't like the prep, but way too many good and famous people have died because they were not checked out. Any family history of colon cancer, you should be checked more often.

The best part of the prep is the enemas for me. They make sure I am clean and good to go.

Also, after your procedure, besure to wear some disposable underware. What you think may be some gas coming out, could be a combination of gas and some poo at the same time, I had that happen the first time around, now after my colonospy, I wear some disposable underware so as not to mess up some pants or shorts that i am wearing.

Czorro,

Among other things, you noted

I know many don't like the prep, but way too many good and famous people have died because they were not checked out. Any family history of colon cancer, you should be checked more often.

The best part of the prep is the enemas for me. They make sure I am clean and good to go.

I mentioned this in my recent 7/14/17 post on this thread, but as I'm a licensed physician as well as a patient, for everyone's long term health benefit I'll agree with Czorro here and say it again. I have routine colonoscopies every 3-5 years since age 20 or if I'm having any abdominal problems to screen for colon cancer and pre-malignant polyps. My Family History is strongly positive (i.e., bad) - Mom had multiple premalignant colon polyps removed, plus 2 or 3 other separate primary cancers resected (breast, uterus, possibly lung - which killed her). Her sister: colon cancer. Her sister #2 and niece: breast cancer. My dad's brother: lymphoma.

In other words, everyone find an oral/colon prep+enema combination you can live with and take your doc's advice about doing whatever colonoscopies they recommend. DON'T PROCRASTINATE. Almost every colonoscopy of mine has resulted in polyps bring removed, none malignant so far. I've used many different oral/enema preps over about 45 years as medicine changed and different preps were recommended. To date, the most effective yet benign one (least awful flavor) I've found is oral Miralax in the large doses recommended here by Susie of 1/2-1 gallon of oral liquid swallowed. Add enemas as desired or needed with very mild solutions like water or saline to not irritate your colon. To me, the Miralax had essentially no flavor at all (a good thing) so it just tasted exactly like the drink I put it in (Gatorade, iced tea or ICE brand fruit drinks).

Get it done. if all else fails, just look at it as a way to indulge your anus/rectal/enema kink (yes,I have a big one). You're welcome.

Eric

This is actually from the mid 1970s

It's a prep for a Barium Enema that was common in that era.

It was actually the instruction sheet that was in a product called Evac_Q-Kit which is no longer available as a single unit but all of the ingredients are still on the market separately, so it can still be done. Will cost a little more than the $5 or so that an Evac-Q-Kit cost, but it IS still do-able

NO SOLIDS ARE PERMITTED!

The following is a list of clear liquids you are allowed to consume:

Water

Pop/Soda (Cola, 7-UP, Ginger Ale)

Clear juices containing no pulp (grape, apple, cranberry, Gatorade)

Black coffee, tea, (No cream or milk- may use sugar)

Plain Jell-O (NO red or grape flavors, NO fruit/cream added)

Clear broth or bouillon

Popsicles or Italian Ice

** Prescription medications can be taken any time the day before with a glass of water. **

4 p.m. Drink the entire content of the 10 oz. bottle of Magnesium Citrate with at least 8 oz water. More if you can!

5 p.m. Drink at least 8oz of a clear liquid

6 p.m. Drink at least 8oz of a clear liquid

7 p.m. Swallow 4 laxative tablets with at least 8oz of a clear liquid

8 p.m. Drink at least 8oz of a clear liquid

9 p.m. Drink at least 8oz of a clear liquid

10 p.m. Insert the suppository as follows: Remove the wrapping and insert the pointed end into your rectum. This is best done while lying on your left side. Retain at least 20 minutes, or until urge to evacuate is strong.

**Continue at least 8oz of water per hour throughout the night.

ON THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE:

If your procedure is before 12 noon, you may NOT have anything to eat or drink until after your procedure.

If your procedure is 12 noon or later, you may have clear liquids until 6:00 a.m.

I realize this is an older thread, but I don't want to start *another* colonoscopy prep thread.

I have a consult with a GI doc early next month, with the intent to schedule a colonoscopy for my 10 year follow up.

As I stated in another post, I don't mind the golytly prep, or whatever top-down prep they prescribe.

In addition to the prep, I'd like to take the Miralax 3 or 4 days ahead of the colonoscopy day, as well as include a couple of colonics to the regimen a day or two before the procedure.

I am thinking it would be best for the colonics to be administered after the golytly prep, since the waste in my small intestine would be cleared out, and the colonic would clear any residual material from the small intestine. Would that make sense? Also, could I substitute the Miralax with magnesium citrate, or would that be in addition to?

I do not mind putting my digestive system through the wringer in order to make it as clean as possible. I do not want any complaints about the cleanliness of my colon.

I might mention the idea of the colonics to the GI doc, and see what happens. In the overall consultation, if I get the sense he might be against it, then I probably won't bring it up.

Anything I missed, or any other suggestions?

I am considering for my end-of-year cleanse towards the end of this month, during expulsion and between rounds sipping Miralax every few minutes.

Is this something to try??

One thing I found is to use barrier cream before starting prep and my anus didn't get irritated. Also used an enema before and after the prep prescribed and got really good results.

I have had some other cancers, but those were on the skin and nothing to worry about.

Are you living in a region with an extremely intensive ultraviolet radiation?

Realistically: What is the time frame on Miralax?

That is, from the time you start sipping it with an empty stomach until it has you on the toilet emptying your bowel, How long would someone need?

@LisaK -- So much depends on the individual,but this is what I've learned by personal use and using on others. Dosage of course impacts the reaction substantially and more can be used beyond what I am suggesting. Usually at least 8 ounces of the PEG powder is needed for an effective result. That is about 1/2 of a large container of the PEG powder. The following routine works well. Start with 2 doses of 8 ounces of water and a capful of powder in each glass spread over 15 to 30 minutes and while you are up and active like just getting out of bed and doing usual morning chores. Then if you want to be assured of a quicker action take a capful of PEG mix and mix mag citrate or if you can tolerate the taste of it, a couple of teaspoons of epsom salt with one dose of the PEG powder. Adding either of these will assure you of a quicker reaction. Then wait another 15 minutes and then more water and another capful of PEG mix every 15 minutes until the 8 ounces of powder is all used. For most people if you do this type of routine you will start expelling in about an hour and maybe less after the first 3 doses and you will keep expelling for some time. If you are wanting to kick start the process rectal laxatives such as bisacodyl suppositories or bisacodyl mini enema will kick it off faster. If electrolyte imbalance is a concern use Gatorade instead of water which isn't a bad idea for most people anyway and may prevent a headache. Of course an enema can be used to do a final clean-out if desired.

@LisaK

Assuming you start on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning for example, and start drinking an 8Oz glass of water with a full dose of Miralax in each glass every 15 minutes as directed, most people will start to poo after about 2 hours. By this time you'll essentially have consumed a 2 quart enema, by mouth and may well feel pretty bloated until you begin to poo. With many preps, you must continue drinking more Miralax for another hour or two. Once the pooing starts, expect to be sitting on the toilet pretty much all the time, like after a large volume enema.

The speed of action and strength of urge can be enhanced by taking a laxative, timed to work about 2 hours after you start drinking the Miralax. Dulcolax pills need to be taken about 2-3 hours before starting the Miralax; a saline, like Magnesium Citrate or Magnesium Sulfate can be taken with first Miralax glassful.

Do not expect formed or solid poo after taking Miralax at the cleanout dosage. It will be slush or liquid, and very urgent.

Soooo, if I have to take another laxative with it, what's the point?

Why not just go back to that "Barium Enema Prep Kit" from the 1970s? All the ingredients are still available!

It's just 18 hours with no solid food, then a Fleet enema, an hour later a bottle of magnesium citrate and 3 hours after that 20 mg oral bisacodyl, then in the morning a bisacodyl suppository to catch that last little bit that formed during the night

@LisaK

First I don't think the Fleet Barium Enema Prep Kits are still sold. Second, I think you have the Fleet program wrong. Third, the large volume of Miralax gives a more complete washing out of the person's entire colon than the Fleet kit. Fourth, while one has to drink a large volume of Miralax solution, it is pretty much tasteless. Most saline laxatives, like Phospho-Soda, Epsom salt, and Magnesium Citrate all taste pretty foul. Finally, Bisacodyl in a large volume enema is distributed far more widely in the person's colon, hence produces a far more powerful urge to poo than a Bisacodyl suppository. In fact, a single such enema is a pretty good bowel prep by itself.

Realistically: What is the time frame on Miralax?

That is, from the time you start sipping it with an empty stomach until it has you on the toilet emptying your bowel, How long would someone need?

The PEG-3350 preps are based on the assumption the person has been on a low fiber diet for the previous 48-72 hours and no solids in the prior 24 hours. The typical instruction set has the patient start with a single glass of the prep and then another glass every ten minutes, drinking a total of 16 glasses. Generally within 60 to 90 minutes following the start of the first glass, the first bowel movement will occur. The total prep volume is usually about 4 liters.

If you are interested in a quick onset of action laxative you might consider 'Sorbitol'. It is a sugar alcohol, often used as an artificial sweetener. The supplied product is a clear, viscous liquid, sold in 1 pint plastic bottles. Onset of action is dose related. It is used both as an oral laxative and enema. The lower adult oral dose of 30 mL (1 ounce) has an onset of action typically 6 to 8 hours. The lower dose produces a very soft stool with some flatulence. The maximum recommended adult oral dose of 150 mL has an enema like onset of action in about 90 minutes. The first stool passed will be extremely soft, then quickly change to a deep brown watery solution with flatulence. Frequent large amounts of liquid stool are produced at first. After about one hour the amount of stool passed at each evacuation begins to decrease. Time intervals between each evacuation progressively lengthen from less than 15 seconds to minutes. About six hours following onset of action, urgency decreases. Loose stool continues for about 12 hours and can be difficult to hold. While you can often feel solid stool passing following an enema, there is generally no sensation of solids during evacuation following use of Sorbitol. The high recommended oral dose can cause involuntary passage of large amounts of flatulence and watery stool. Desired effects can be controlled by selecting the dose amount.

Rectal use requires water dilution of the 70% oral solution to produce a 25% Sorbitol 120 mL retention enema. It usually produces a movement in one hour.

I'm due for my next one the first week of march. The Miralax solution is not tasteless. its the worse part of the whole procedure.

A big glass of hot water with some added lemon juice and sweetened with a couple of ounces of Sorbitol, if drunk first thing in the morning on an empty stomach goes right through you and usually results in a very complete poo, often within 15 minutes. The hot water and lemon is an old time remedy, the Sorbitol increases the laxative effect. Stay within easy access to a toilet as you'll need it in a hurry.

@MikeNH

Miralax itself is tasteless, but the commercial preps often contain mineral salts and sometimes an added laxative ingredient. Those additions can taste bad.

The old bowel prep kit can still be reconstructed

Everything is still made.

It's just a bottle of magnesium citrate, 4 bisacodyl tablets. The earlier version had 2 CO2 suppositories, and the later version had one bisacodyl suppository.

So you CAN still put it together yourself, either form or you can substitute the Fleet bisacodyl mini enema for the suppository.

The Fleet versions can't be reconstructed because the Fleet Phoso-Soda is a thing of the past

I HAVE found a way to get Magnesium Citrate down. I DO kneel on a pillow in front of the toilet while doing this just in case, but I am probably being paranoid.

Start with a bottle of Magnesium citrate that has been in the fridge at least overnight, if not longer. Same with a quart of water.

Put some ice in a large stadium cup and pour that water over it.

With the magnesium citrate in your dominant hand, drink one sip of the magnesium citrate, and a sip of the ice water in rapid succession. Once you are sure you have swallowed, take a breath, count to 10 and repeat.

Keep doing that until the magnesium citrate is used up. Then over the next 20 minutes drink the rest of the ice water, at a comfortable pace.

Within 90-140 minutes, you should start passing brown liquid Once it starts stay near the toilet for the next 6 hours, because it can happen without warning

Doctor order was to use macrogol (Polyethylene glycol (PEG), look like the same as miralax.

4 litres of solution in 4 hours. Very hard to drink all of them.

Added limon juice to change taste but last litre was very hard.

But after all water out not clean, did 2000cc enema 3-4 hours before colonoscopy.

When nurse asked, how i prepared, i told 4L macrogol solition and enema, but they write only first part 😁 .

Heloo all; the magnesium citrate is now available in flavors. Stay away from the lemon/original flavor. I reccommend the cherry. It tastes like cherry soda.

Good luck

Cherry and Grape afre the best tasting ones out there. Lemon is so nasty. I give credit to those who can drink the lemon and keep it down.

@LisaK

The Fleet kits never had the CO2 suppositories.

Phospho-Soda or it's genetic equivalent is still available OTC in the US

Phoso Soda was taken off the market because it has some safety issues with the kidneys. There WERE generics at the major drug store chains. those were pulled from the shelves at the same time. Where are you seeing it back on the market?

Lisa,

It was the genetic version at a local CVS a year or so ago. I've not looked recently.

I find the BEST colonoscopy prep is a series of high volume castile soap enemas UNTIL CLEAR. My doctor was delighted by how leaned out I was!

I HAVE found a way to get Magnesium Citrate down.

@LisaK

What works well for me is superchilling the Magnesium Citrate in the freezer. I place a bottle of water next to the Magnesium Citrate bottle in the freezer. After 30 minutes the water is checked and every 15 minutes thereafter until ice is seen forming in the water bottle. Both bottles are removed from the freezer when ice appears in the water. Open the Magnesium Citrate and drop a straw in it once you observe ice crystals. When you put the straw in your mouth place it past the tip of the tongue and drink down as much of the bottle as you can. Continue to drink until the bottle is empty.

It is important to get the tip of the straw past the tip of the tongue to bypass the tastebuds.

@LisaK

What works well for me is superchilling the Magnesium Citrate in the freezer. I place a bottle of water next to the Magnesium Citrate bottle in the freezer. After 30 minutes the water is checked and every 15 minutes thereafter until ice is seen forming in the water bottle. Both bottles are removed from the freezer when ice appears in the water. Open the Magnesium Citrate and drop a straw in it once you observe ice crystals. When you put the straw in your mouth place it past the tip of the tongue and drink down as much of the bottle as you can. Continue to drink until the bottle is empty.

It is important to get the tip of the straw past the tip of the tongue to bypass the tastebuds.

Good plan but I think you have taste buds way past your tip. However for me when my doc uses oral MgCitrate, I like to not only chill the heck out of it, nearly freezing like Victoria suggests, but I add it to some other highly flavored drink like Gatorade or my current favorite, ICE® brand juice-flavored carbonated water. The best so far is Cherry or Raspberry. I don't need the added flavor to be nearly as strong for Miralax as for masking the MgCitrate salty taste.

Eric

Good plan but I think you have taste buds way past your tip.

I should have phrased it better. You need to place the straw about an inch to two inches past the tip of the tongue. The idea is to get the solution over and past the taste buds on the front of the tongue to minimize the amount of magnesium citrate that contacts them. It isn't perfect but it has proven in the past to allow individuals to get the laxative to a point where it does not cause vomiting.

I should have phrased it better. You need to place the straw about an inch to two inches past the tip of the tongue. The idea is to get the solution over and past the taste buds on the front of the tongue to minimize the amount of magnesium citrate that contacts them. It isn't perfect but it has proven in the past to allow individuals to get the laxative to a point where it does not cause vomiting.

I thought you meant something like that. Nice technique. I'll try it next time. I can stand it and have never vomited. but I'd still rather minimize the taste, To me, Miralax is essentially tasteless and the least objectionable followed by MgCitrate. I wish I could recall, but several years ago my doc gave me an oral laxative for colonoscopy prep that was the MOST utterly BITTER taste I've ever experienced. Utterly awful and I'm honestly surprised I kept it down.

Thanks,

Eric

GoLytely, a common large volume PEG prep solution, contains electrolytes plus a dose of Sodium Sulfate, a very bitter tasting but highly effective, saline laxative. It basically hurries the PEG solution through your colon and you poo it out rapidly.

GoLytely, a common large volume PEG prep solution, contains electrolytes plus a dose of Sodium Sulfate, a very bitter tasting but highly effective, saline laxative. It basically hurries the PEG solution through your colon and you poo it out rapidly.

Sean,

Interesting. I drank the gallon or so of Golytely a couple of times and other than the volume, it was quite benign. I don't know from your note whether the NaSO4 is tasted by many others, but Golytely never tasted bitter to me at all.

This other extraordinarily bitter oral laxative I mentioned was much smaller volume than Golytely, perhaps a pint or less, but I wish I could recall its name. I recall thinking that not only was it the bitterest thing I'd ever tasted, but I distinctly recall thinking that it would not have been possible to make anything more bitter than that laxative. After literally my very first taste and swallow, I almost returned it or dumped it out, and called my GI doc for something else. I think the only way I could get it down was to add it to a very strongly flavored drink like maybe Coke or very strong fruit juice. Most awful taste of my life.

Eric