How do you measure Miralax for colonoscopy prep?

Miralax or polyethylene glycol is a bowel cleansing product used to cleanse the bowel prior to colonoscopy and for constipation.  It is over the counter and can be bought at any pharmacy.  Purchase a 14 dose bottle and a 7 dose bottle OR a 20 dose bottle and you will use 18 doses from it.

5-7 days prior to your Colonoscopy

1. Stop taking any medicine containing iron or any iron supplements.
2. Stop taking  fish oil, vitamin E and any other oily vitamin for 7 days prior to your procedure
3. If you are taking Coumadin/Warfarin, Plavix, Effient, Pletal or any other blood thinning medication , please ask your prescribing doctor to see if you are able to stop those medications 5-7 days prior to your procedure. If you are not able to come off those medications, please contact our office prior to your procedure.
4. Please stop any additional aspirin or NSAIDS (Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Naproxen, Mobic etc) along with avoiding alcohol 5 days prior to your colonoscopy. You may continue to take a daily aspirin if needed for a medical condition.
5. Try to maintain a low fibrous diet. Avoid items like corn, popcorn, broccoli, beans and dried fruit.

The Day Before Your Procedure

1.  Ensure you have purchased the Miralax product.
2. You are only allowed to drink a clear liquid diet the day prior to your colonoscopy. DO NOT eat any solid foods the day prior to your exam.

Clear Liquids Include The Following

Water, soda-coke, pepsi, sprite….NO RED, white cranberry juice, tea, coffee NO CREAMER, Kool-aid NO RED, apple juice, broth (chicken, vegetable, beef), jello NO RED, flavored water, crystal light, or powered drink mixes NO ALCOHOL

It is very important to drink plenty of fluids the day prior to your exam!

Starting around 4:00pm the day prior to your Colonoscopy

1. Begin your bowel preparation by drink 17 grams of Miralax powder from the cap provided, mixed with 8 ounces of clear liquid from the list above, stir and drink. Repeat this process every 15-20 minutes until 14 doses are consumed.
2. This should take you about 2-4 hours to complete. If you feel full or nauseated by drinking the solution then slow down and finish it before midnight. It is very important to drink the 14 doses the night BEFORE your procedure.

The Day Of Procedure

1. Finish drinking the remaining 4 doses of Miralax the morning of your procedure. It is important that you have finished the prep 4 hours prior to your scheduled colonoscopy.  ABSOLUTELY NOTHING BY MOUTH AFTER THIS TIME.
2. If you are taking medications for high blood pressure or heart disease, it is important that you take them early in the morning on the day of your exam with a sip of water.
3. Please have someone drive you home from the procedure; you may be here 2 to 3 hours. Please make sure your driver will be available by phone if they are unable to wait.

Common Questions

1. Why is it important to drink a split dose bowel preparation?
   a. This formulation of bowel preparation has shown to be better tolerated by patients and produce better results than other bowel preparations.
2. Why is it important to have a clean bowel for my colonoscopy?
   a. Without a clean bowel, the physician performing your colonoscopy has a higher chance of not seeing small polyps or even cancer that could be obscured by stool.
3. Will I be incontinent the morning of my exam?
   a. NO. The morning dose of Miralax usually works quicker and lasts shorter than night dose.
4. Are there other bowel cleansing preparations out there?
   a. Yes, however we believe this to be the safest and best tolerated preparation available at the current time. If needed, we can prescribe other preparations.

If you have any questions about your colonoscopy or how to take your bowel preparation, please do not hesitate to call our office …573-556-5736 please select option #4.

It is important that my office be notified of any reschedule or cancellation at least 2 days prior to scheduled procedure. There may be a $75 reschedule fee if this is not done.

It is important that large volumes (64oz before 7pm) of clear liquids be consumed the day BEFORE your procedure, up until midnight, to avoid dehydration.

Breakfast: 

Choose ONE

• 1 - 2 eggs with a slice of DRY White Toast (No butter)
• 1 Buttermilk Pancake or Waffle w/ Syrup (if desired) (No butter)
• A small portion of skinless chicken, turkey or fish

Lunch & Dinner:

You may drink all the clear liquids you would like.

• Soft Drinks – Ginger Ale, Sprite, 7up.
• Gatorade/Kool Aid –NO RED.
• Strained fruit juice without pulp – Apple, White Grape, Lemonade.
• Water, Coffee Tea – NO MILK OR NON DAIRY CREAMER, sweeteners are ok.
• Soups – Low Sodium Chicken or Beef Bouillon/Broth.
• Desserts – Hard candies, Jell-O (NO RED or fruit toppings), Popsicles, Water Ice.

NO SHERBETS OR FRUIT BARS

THE PREP:

Your prep has been sent to your preferred Pharmacy. Please pick it up ASAP. You will begin at 7pm tonight

You may apply a topical ointment such as Preparation H or Anusol to your bottom to avoid irritation if needed.

How is MiraLAX measured for a colonoscopy?

How many ounces of MiraLAX do you need for a colonoscopy?

How many MiraLAX packets do I need for a colonoscopy?

Do you have to drink all 4 liters of colonoscopy prep?