How to Cleanse Your Stomach for a Colonoscopy: Use MiraLAX and a Sports Drink!

Has your doctor advised you to have a colonoscopy soon? If so, it is essential to thoroughly cleanse your large intestine, or colon, before the test. A very effective method that doctors often recommend for this is to use a powder called MiraLAX and a clear sports drink of your choice. Don't worry, let's talk about this simply and clearly.

What is a MiraLAX colon cleanse?

Simply put, MiraLAX is a laxative. It softens your stools and makes them easier to pass. This will help clear your colon for a colonoscopy. We dissolve this MiraLAX powder in a clear, non-carbonated drink, such as Gatorade®.

Why is cleansing the stomach so important?

Imagine, when your doctor does a colonoscopy, he wants to see the inside of your colon clearly. Just like when we drive a car on a bright sunny day. That's when things like polyps in the colon, which can sometimes turn into cancer, can be clearly identified.

But if your colon isn't completely clean, it's like driving in heavy rain or fog. The doctor won't be able to see anything clearly. If that happens, you may have to do a colonoscopy again one day. Therefore, it's very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

How do I use the MiraLAX colon cleanse? What do I need?

To cleanse your stomach using this method, you will need to buy a few things from the pharmacy. You don't need a prescription for this.

• A 64-ounce, clear , non-carbonated sports drink, such as Gatorade®, Propel®, or Crystal Light®, is a good choice . Many people drink two 32-ounce bottles. But remember, don’t drink red, orange, or purple drinks. These colors can interfere with the test if they are absorbed into the intestines. If you have diabetes, choose a sugar-free sports drink, such as Gatorade G2®.
• MiraLAX powder is a 238-gram bottle. The generic name for this is polyethylene glycol 3350. Ask at the pharmacy where the laxatives are.
• Four Dulcolax® tablets. Each tablet should contain 5 milligrams of bisacodyl. You should take the laxative type, not the stool softener type, right?

These tips are very important for a successful colonoscopy!

Your colonoscopy will be successful if you follow these steps exactly:

• Your colon needs to be completely empty so that the doctor can see inside clearly. Follow your gastroenterologist's instructions carefully.
• Do not eat any solid foods the day before your colonoscopy. Only clear liquids are allowed.
• Buy these things you need to cleanse your stomach (Miralax, Sports Drink, Dulcolax) from the pharmacy at least five days in advance. Then you won't have to worry.

Learn more about traveling the day of your colonoscopy.

This is very important, remember this. You must have a responsible driver to drive you to and from the day of your colonoscopy. This person must stay at the hospital/clinic from the time you are admitted for the test until you are cleared to leave. You will not be allowed to go home alone after the test. If you do not have someone to drive you, your test may be canceled. Therefore, it is very important to plan this in advance.

May we know about the medications you use?

If you are taking medication for certain conditions, you should pay special attention to those medications before a colonoscopy. Some medications may need to be stopped for a few days or the dosage may need to be changed.

• Blood thinners: If you are taking a blood thinner such as `clopidogrel (Plavix®), `warfarin (Coumadin®), `ticlopidine hydrochloride (Ticlid®), `anagrelide (Agrylin®), `rivaroxaban (Xarelto®), `dabigatran (Pradaxa®), `apixaban (Eliquis®)` or `prasugrel (Effient®),` be sure to talk to your doctor about that medication at least two weeks before the test .
• Insulin and diabetes medication: If you are taking these medications, be sure to ask your doctor about adjusting your dosage in the days before your colonoscopy. Do not take your diabetes medication after midnight on the day of the test. If you are taking long-acting insulin such as insulin glargine injection (Lantus®), insulin lispro (Humalog®), insulin isophane (HumulinN®, NovolinN®, ReliOn®), or 70/30 insulin, you should take only half of your usual dose the day before your test.
• Weight management medication:If you are taking weight loss medications (such as canagliflozin (Invokana®), dapagliflozin (Farxiga®, Forxiga®), dulaglutide (Trulicity®), empagliflozin (Jardiance®), ertugliflozin (Steglatro®), exenatide (Byetta®, Bydureon®), liraglutide (Victoza®, Saxenda®), lixisenatide (Adylyxin®), semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®)), your dose may need to be adjusted or you may need to stop taking the medication for a few days/weeks. Talk to your doctor about this.
• Iron pills: Stop taking iron pills a week before your colonoscopy. Iron pills can turn your stool black, making it difficult to see clearly during the exam.

You can take medications like aspirin, antibiotics , or diuretics with a sip of water on the day of the test. However, if you are unsure about which medications you can continue to take and which you should stop, be sure to ask your doctor.

These foods should be avoided three days before a colonoscopy

You should stop eating these high-fiber foods three days before the test, as they can build up in the intestines and interfere with bowel movements.

• Popcorn
• Beans
• Grains (e.g. flax, sunflower, quinoa)
• Multigrain bread
• Nuts
• Salads/vegetables (especially those eaten raw)
• Fresh and dried fruits

What should you do the day before a colonoscopy?

You should only drink clear liquids the day before your colonoscopy. Do not eat any solid foods. You can drink clear liquids up to three hours before your colonoscopy.

Here are some things you can and can't drink:

Things you can drink:

• Water
• Clear soup (no chunks, no oil)
• Tea, coffee (without milk or cream)
• Clear fruit juice (e.g. apple, white grape. Avoid dark colored ones like orange, mango)
• Jelly (red, orange, purple ones)
• Clear sports drinks (those without the colors mentioned above)
• Soda water (Plain soda)

Things you can't drink:

• Milk and dairy foods
• Dark fruit juice
• Alcohol
• Soup with pieces
• No solid food

How to make and drink the MiraLAX and Gatorade stomach cleansing mixture

This stomach cleansing mixture is to be taken in two portions. There is a gap of several hours between the two portions. Your doctor will tell you the exact times. You need to follow those instructions exactly, okay?

Things you'll need (you don't need a medicine ball for this):

As mentioned earlier, get these things ready at the pharmacy:

• 64 ounces of a clear, non-carbonated liquid sports drink (no red, orange, or purple), such as Gatorade®, Propel®, or Crystal Light®. People with diabetes should use sugar-free `Gatorade G2®`.
• 4 Dulcolax® laxative tablets (each containing 5mg of bisacodyl).
• MiraLAX (238 grams) powder or its generic form `polyethylene glycol 3350`.

How to make the mixture: The day before your colonoscopy, combine your sports drink with 64 ounces (238 grams) of MiraLAX powder in a large jug and stir well. Stir or shake until the MiraLAX powder is completely dissolved. You can also refrigerate it if you prefer.

Part One: The Evening Before the Colonoscopy

• Around 5:00 PM: Take all four Dulcolax tablets at once.
• Around 6:00 PM: Start drinking half of the MiraLAX mixture you made, which is 32 ounces. If you have trouble drinking it all at once, drink a large glass (about 8 ounces) every 15 minutes.
• Continue to drink clear liquids (like water, tea).

Part Two: Six Hours Before the Colonoscopy

• Six hours before your colonoscopy, start drinking the remaining MiraLAX mixture (32 ounces) as before. That means one 8-ounce glass every 15 minutes.
• You can drink clear liquids (like water) up to three hours before the test. After that, do not drink anything.

Do you have any special circumstances like this? Then check these out too

Some people's bowel movements may be a little slower. Such people may need different advice. If you have this condition, it is best to talk to your doctor and get advice that suits you.

• What if someone has frequent constipation?

You can also take some laxatives a few days before the cleanse. Then, by the time you cleanse, your constipation will have decreased significantly. Ask your doctor about this as well.

• What if the previous colon cleanse didn't produce the desired results?

Be sure to tell your doctor about this. You may need some additional advice.

• What if someone has poor intestinal function due to some illness?

People with conditions like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and those who use wheelchairs may have slower bowel movements. This can also be caused by certain medications, such as narcotics and gabapentin. Tell your doctor about your medical history and any medications you are currently taking. You may need more time to clear your bowels and additional medications.

• What if it's hard to drink a lot of fluids at once?

Start the cleanse two to three hours before your scheduled time. That way, you can take more time to finish taking the medicine.

• What if I can't finish all the stomach-cleansing medicine?

If you are unable to finish the entire dose, your colonoscopy may need to be postponed because your bowels will not be properly emptied. So try to drink it all as much as possible.

• Have you had bariatric surgery?

Gastric bypass surgery affects the stomach and small intestine. The length of the colon does not change. You may be able to take less at one time, so you may need to take it more often. But you need to take the full dose of medication. It takes a little longer.

• Are you on dialysis?

Be sure to talk to your nephrologist and get specific advice before scheduling a colonoscopy. Dialysis patients are usually given a bowel cleansing medication called Golytely, and the test is usually done on the same day as dialysis (colonoscopy in the morning, dialysis in the evening).

What exactly is a "Clear Liquid Diet"?

This is very simple. If you can pour a liquid into a glass and see through it, it is considered a "clear liquid." For example, water, light-colored tea, clear soup (no lumps).

Can I take a taxi or Uber® to go home on my own?

No, you can't. You must have an adult with you when you go in for a colonoscopy. That person must stay there until you are cleared to leave. You can only take a taxi home if this adult stays with you from the time you go in, stays there until you are cleared to leave, and goes home with you in the taxi. You will not be allowed to go alone.

Can't you just sleep there for a while and then drive away by yourself?

Absolutely not. You must have a responsible adult with you when you enter. That person must be there during the test and take you home. You absolutely cannot drive the same day after the test. Because the medication you are given for the test may make you feel a little drunk and sleepy.

Some important things to remember

A good bowel cleansing is crucial to the success of your colonoscopy. So follow your gastroenterologist's instructions carefully. A clear colon will help your doctor see polyps, inflammation, and other abnormalities more easily.

If you have any questions about how to mix MiraLAX and Gatorade (or other sports drink), or anything else, don't hesitate to ask your doctor. Your cooperation will go a long way in making this trial a success.

` Colonoscopy, Colon Cleansing, MiraLAX, Colon Cleansing, Colonoscopy Preparation, Dulcolax