Magnesium sulfate / potassium sulfate / sodium sulfate and Bad Taste: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Les...
• September 12, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "Never again! This was the most vile, disgusting stuff I've ever tasted. Took me almost 2 hours to get the first dose down. I used a lemon with sugar as others suggested, tried using mints, eating broth in between sips, and nothing could take away the bitter aftertaste. Afterwards, I was so sick from it there was no way for me to get that second dose down. I couldn't even get it to my lips. Took my chances since I was on a 2-day liquid diet and had magnesium nitrite the night before. Luckily, the doctor was able to see enough. This stuff should be taken off the market. I can't believe they can't make a pill. Putting people through this is torture! I will go back to the Gatorade/Miralax prep next time."

• Sto...
• January 22, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Okay, so the prep tasted nasty - true indeed - but to me it wasn't as bad as I expected. Used the Crystal Light like others suggested, and it did help. Also had the sugared lemon slices handy, which also helped. I really can't believe I was freaking out about this. I'm thankful to be done with it though. Now just waiting for the aftermath, lol! Hang in there, you guys! You'll get through it, I promise. So worth it in the long run...."

• jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "Not the best tasting stuff, but if you drink it fast, it's not so bad. I drink a lot of water on a regular basis, so it wasn't as hard to get down the additional fluids. It has a bit of a bitter aftertaste, but it's manageable. It worked within about 20 minutes for me. I'm looking forward to taking a good long nap after my procedure this morning."

• Ima...
• September 12, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "3rd colonoscopy. One prep was oral meds (they don't do that anymore). One was with Nulytely, and this one was Suprep. Suprep has an unpleasant taste, but I had good success chugging it in about 3-5 minutes. Both my evening and morning dose took about 3 hours, start to finish, and it took about 1 hour to start working on the first dose. It wasn't until the second dose that I had the 'desired' liquid yellow stools, and that was toward the end of my 'throne' time. My stomach was a little queasy, but I didn't actually get sick-once it started working, that went away. I loved that I could take it all at once and that I was done in a few hours-it actually let me sleep a while, which was nice. Helps to take a sip or two of soda after drinking it."

• Mac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "Just used this product for the first time. I read the reviews and was apprehensive about it. I was concerned as to whether I could finish this 2-step prep. Yes, it tastes horrible but manageable. I mixed ginger ale with water and the prep, and I drank it slowly. Each time I drank, I belched, which I’m glad, as it kept me from feeling super nauseous and got rid of the gas. I drank the recommended amount of water, and within 10 minutes, I did experience chills, but they went away after my first bowel movement. No cramping, and the bowel movements became water-like almost immediately. I was concerned about the morning prep, so I woke up early and managed to get it all down except for about a quarter of it. The cleansing is excellent, and on my exam, 2 small polyps were found. I’m glad I followed the directions. Also, it helped after each swallow, I drank a little water, which got rid of the aftertaste. Drink it slow, you can do it, and the results are well worth it."

• Oh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Now, you are probably looking for how bad this is. Well, I'm here to tell you. When you open the bottle to mix it, you take a whiff. You say to yourself, 'Huh, this won't be so bad.' Then you mix it all up with ice-cold water, you say, 'BOTTOMS UP!' As you take your first swig, then it hits you! The horrible taste. It's like cough syrup with chalk."

• JIK...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "This was for my 4th colonoscopy and found to be better than the other preps. I started a soft diet the day before the prep (bagel, cream cheese, saltines, peanut butter, chicken thigh, cooked carrots, potatoes no skins). On the day of the prep, only clear liquids (mostly Popsicles, juice, water) as Dr. directed. I took the first dose of Suprep at 5 pm mixed with Fresca soda. I don't think there is a way to hide the taste, I used a straw and sucked on lemon drops in between gulps. It took 15-20 minutes to get it all down. I drank a couple more glasses of water/Club Soda as directed. Nothing happened for 2 hours. I started the 2nd dose at 8 pm, this one took 30-40 minutes to get down, chased with Club Soda/fresh lemon. I was cleaned out by 10 pm."

• Kak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "Suprep worked as intended. Much better than the older method of Miralax and what seemed like drowning myself with gallons of Gatorade and water. The two treatments 10 hours apart allow you to rest, even sleep in between, so that you’re not up all night in the bathroom. The one drawback is the taste. Ghastly. The makers have got to find a way to make it somewhat more palatable. I would describe the taste as borderline torturous, particularly on the second dose."

• hpj...
• June 18, 2014

For Bowel Preparation "I wish I'd read these reviews before taking this foul-tasting stuff. I would have chilled it first, then used a straw to drink it. By far, the worst part of the prep is taking the Suprep. The taste is horrible. My nurse told me to mix the doses with white grape juice. I did for the first one, thinking the grape juice would drown the taste, but that made it taste worse. I used water for the second dose and ended up throwing up about a third of it. From the reviews, it looks like that won't be a problem. I see some people didn't do a complete fast the day before, so I'm going to look into why a fast is recommended in case I have to have this test again. All in all, though, the med does what it says it'll do — clean out your colon."

• Fir...
• April 30, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "Well, I'm 39 and have been having some unexplained weight loss. My doctors and I have been taking the steps to try to rule out what may be causing it. We have determined my gallbladder is bad, but the doc also wanted to do a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy to rule anything else out. Like some of the others, I started my day with a liquid diet. It seems to help. Then at 8 pm was my first dose of Suprep. There is no comparison between taste and smell. It smells like cherries but has a very salty taste. About 30 minutes in, it hit me for the first round. Not too bad. Once the initial dose and the 2-16 oz bottles of water passed through, my trips seemed to slow down. My next dose was at 1 am and again 2-16 oz bottles of water. Be glad when I'm done!"

• Ron...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "This is the first time I have prepped with Suprep, and it will be my last. Having had IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) for over 40 years, I am an old pro at colonoscopies. This new prep was the worst ever. The taste was horrible, and the cleanout continuous for hours and very painful. Have had 2 total joint replacements and 4 c-sections, and none of these things compare to the level of discomfort I have experienced with this prep. I know the procedure will be a breeze after this horrible prep."

• Pau...
• September 13, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Took first dose last night. 20 plus eliminations. Took 1/2 of dose today (nurse said okay) major elimination going on. Disgusting salty taste. You have to drink it with 16 oz of water, then you have to drink two more 16 oz of water within one hour. It works, it’s nasty and cannot wait until this whole ordeal is over."

• Ark...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "Although I am convinced that this bowel prep was concocted by the spawn of Satan to taste like water from the Great Salt Lake that has been left in a tin can for a year, then blended with some cough syrup and a sprig of mint to disguise the flavor, I have to say it works! Several people suggested mixing it with other flavored beverages, I ended up just chugging the vile 16 oz. This is the first time I have done the split prep, but I read that it is the new 'gold standard.' To make a long story short, it did such a thorough job of cleansing my bowel that it made it possible for the doctor to find and remove a tiny 5mm precancerous polyp. He commented that that particular type of polyp is often missed because it tends to blend in with the mucosa and credited the thorough bowel prep with making it visible. So, I say suck it up, buttercup, and deal with the horrid taste and the experience of having to do a two-dose prep. It is worth it in the end. (Pun intended.)"

• Int...
• July 2, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "First of all, the taste is awful. I recommend just mixing it with cold water, holding your nose, and guzzling. Hard candies helped with the aftertaste. It gets the job done. Just drink it and let it take its course. You don't want an incomplete prep that will postpone your procedure."

• get...
• November 12, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "Hubby used this for his first colonoscopy. Did not mind the taste too much, said it was more of an aftertaste. Kicked in about 30 minutes, lasting two hours. Second dose was taken at 4:00 AM for a 6:15 appointment, barely made the appointment since the bathroom trips lasted until the last minute. After the procedure, the doctor consulted, saying that there was still some waste at the end of the colon and could not see that portion of the colon. He recommends another procedure in 3 years. Yeah, right! Followed the steps to the T, so what's up with that?"

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "The first prep went pretty smoothly. The taste is weird but was tolerable (be sure to refrigerate it), and the BMs started after about 15 minutes and lasted on/off for 3 hours. The second prep, at 1:30 a.m.! was a disaster. The taste bothered me this time, but I finished it. BMs started shortly, and 5 hours later I’m still in and out of the bathroom. As well, at about 2:30, I vomited several times and could not control the bowels while doing so. This was awful! Shower, laundry, clean-up of the bathroom, in addition to general discomfort and tiredness."

• alw...
• September 9, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "My husband is due to take this medication for the colonoscopy procedure, and I am glad to read all the helpful hints. But... I did research on the components: Epsom salt, sodium sulfate used for making detergents, soap, and paper, potassium sulfate used for making fertilizer. No wonder it tastes so bad and cleans out your system."

• Mol...
• August 22, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "I was told by my doctor to double the dose, 2 bottles at 6 pm. And then repeat 2 more bottles at 9 pm. After reading these reviews, I am only going to do 1 more bottle at 9. The taste was horrific, and I felt like my stomach would burst. It has been the worst stuff ever. I have had multiple colonoscopies and never went through this."

• Jul...
• October 10, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "My experience was good. I am 5'7" & weigh 135 lb. I took one and a half bottles of the prep, though directed to take both bottles, and it worked perfectly. Very gentle. No nausea, vomiting, or cramps. Bloating, yes, but brief as it worked quickly. You must drink two 16 oz glasses of water after each dose. Being well hydrated alleviates cramping & bad side effects. My two doses were 2 pm (1 bottle) and 8 pm (1/2 bottle). I liked this schedule because by 10:30 pm the ugliness was over. I slept the night without a bathroom visit. I have an irregular heartbeat for which I'm on Toprol XL. I did experience a brief episode of a racing heartbeat when I awoke, but it subsided. I am certain it was the prep as that isn't typical. Cons: awful taste that makes you cringe; the taste remains in your mouth the next day despite tooth brushing. Pros: gentle, no painful cramps, fast acting, and, for me, the cleansing took less time than past prep solutions."

• Lib...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 18, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "This Suprep stuff is wild. It tastes like children’s cherry-flavored liquid Benadryl, but with a very bitter aftertaste. My first dose was easy, just chugged Gatorade after every sip of the prep. However, the morning of my colonoscopy, I took the second dose the same way and got most of it down except maybe one or two ounces before throwing up (didn’t throw up a lot, just a little bit). My bowels are clear anyways. All in all, not horrible but not a pleasant experience. I know the instructions say it takes an hour to work, but I was on the toilet immediately after I finished drinking the prep, and on the second dose, I had to get to the toilet before I was even finished!!!"

• Mei...
• March 2, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "This is my fourth colonoscopy. In December, I used a Prepopik Kit because I was given Suprep the time before, and the taste was utterly disgusting to me. I told the doctor to give me something different because I didn't think I could take another round with Suprep again. The person who said it tastes like Robitussin got it right on the money. Unfortunately for me, while the Prepopik tastes 100% better, it did not get me cleared out, and I'm now repeating the colonoscopy from December. The Suprep does the cleaning out job effectively. Just that taste.... ughhhhh! I'm going to use the ginger ale suggestion and see if it helps."

• Swe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "I'm glad I didn't read the other comments until I took the first dose, and it was too late to turn back! I only read the comments because I took the first dose an hour ago and am now sitting on the toilet, totally bored but afraid to get up. As everyone else has commented, the taste is nasty, but following up immediately with water has helped get the taste out of my mouth somewhat. Would rather have a burger, though. I feel okay but frozen to the bone for some reason. I'm due to take the next dose at 1:45 a.m., and I'm feeling a bit anxious about it as some of the experiences with the second dose sound bad. When I had a colonoscopy 10 years ago, I thought the prep was bad and would surely get better before my next one. Guess I was wrong. Thanks for the interesting bathroom reading, everyone!"

• NF ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "If you can tolerate the taste of this prep, you're a better person than I! Can't pinpoint the taste, but it reminds me of the pink childhood antibiotic, which I think had somewhat of a cherry taste, only more sour. Vile!! Had to drink the first of the additional 16 oz immediately after to get the horrific taste out of my mouth. Stomach is totally distended from all the liquids. Hopefully, I will be able to get the 2nd additional 16 oz down without too much distress. There really should be adjusted quantities to coincide with your body weight and eating habits. I don't eat or drink a lot, so to consume 48 oz within an hour is quite a lot!! Tolerated Prepopik with the last colonoscopy very easily, however, new doctor, new drug of choice. Will NOT be doing this prep again in the future, even if I have to change doctors!"

• luc...
• October 14, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "Took Miralax Stool Softener the day before and the day of. Avoided solid food both days. I took my first dose at 5 pm. Added chilled water to the mixture. Swigged lemon-lime soda and spit in between gulps, which helped. Drank my two glasses of water immediately. Nothing happened until 2 am, and then there was a lot of action for about an hour to an hour and a half. Took my second dose at 5 am. Immediate action for about an hour and a half. The taste and viscosity weren't pleasant, but were no worse than other preps I've had. Time passed pretty quickly playing games on my iPad."

• jo-...
• January 4, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "This is my 3rd colonoscopy. I've done Golightly in the past. This is my first time with Suprep. I don't like drinking water, so this is always very difficult for me. So far, I've made it through the 1st bottle, but dreading drinking the next one in a few hours. I found the taste just awful and had to chase it with white grape juice. I wish someone would develop a prep that didn't taste so badly."