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What Are The Various Colon Preparations Done Before A Colonoscopy?

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Posted on Fri, 23 Sep 2016
Question: I am scheduled for a colonoscopy procedure on Monday, August 29. Today is Saturday, Aug. 27. My instruction sheet states to take Miralax/polyethylene glycol with 64 oz. Coconut water or to take 64 oz. of Gatorade. The instruction sheet does not state HOW MUCH Miralax to take or whether the Gatorade is a SUBSTITUTE for the Miralax with /coconut water. I am also to take a 10 oz. bottle of Magnesium Citrate. I can't reach my doctor. I may have to cancel the procedure because I didn't read the instructions before today, and they are not clear. Is it possible the Gatorade is a SUBSTITUTE for the Miralax w/coconut water?
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Colon prep

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

There are a variety of different colon preps for colonoscopy.

Both coconut water and Gatorade are electrolyte (potassium, sodium) rich solutions. Colon preps such as Miralax cause diarrhea or frequent BMs, which can result in loss of electrolytes.

Therefore, it would follow that the coconut water (not coconut milk) or Gatorade are being used as fluid and electrolyte replacements (rehydration fluids) during the process. So I would recommend using EITHER the coconut water OR the Gatorade, plus the Miralax.

Magnesium Citrate is also a strong laxative.

So... I think the directions would be:

1. Mix Miralax powder or liquid with either
Coconut water
or
Gatorade
and drink

2. Magnesium Citrate - drink.

The amount of Miralax recommended can vary, but usually it is 8.3 oz of Miralax with 64 oz of the rehydration solution (the rehydration solution being Gatorade or coconut water).

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can help further.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Are The Various Colon Preparations Done Before A Colonoscopy?

Brief Answer: Colon prep Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, There are a variety of different colon preps for colonoscopy. Both coconut water and Gatorade are electrolyte (potassium, sodium) rich solutions. Colon preps such as Miralax cause diarrhea or frequent BMs, which can result in loss of electrolytes. Therefore, it would follow that the coconut water (not coconut milk) or Gatorade are being used as fluid and electrolyte replacements (rehydration fluids) during the process. So I would recommend using EITHER the coconut water OR the Gatorade, plus the Miralax. Magnesium Citrate is also a strong laxative. So... I think the directions would be: 1. Mix Miralax powder or liquid with either Coconut water or Gatorade and drink 2. Magnesium Citrate - drink. The amount of Miralax recommended can vary, but usually it is 8.3 oz of Miralax with 64 oz of the rehydration solution (the rehydration solution being Gatorade or coconut water). I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can help further.