Magnesium sulfate / potassium sulfate / sodium sulfate and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• Dal...
• February 28, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "This was my first 'Suprep'. The kit was basic and easy to follow. I started at 4:00 PM. It tasted horrible, as expected. After another 2 16 oz cups of water, I began to get very cold. The prep kicked in about an hour later. No problem until the 2-hour mark, then all hell broke loose. There was water coming out of me so fast that I couldn't make it to the bathroom in time. I was almost ready to give up, but by the second prep time at 10:00 PM, I was ready to give it another try. Although I was semi-gagging as I drank down the liquid, I finished it. Again, I started shivering, getting tired, and having stomach cramps. Again, I couldn't get to the bathroom in time twice, so I ended up sleeping on my bathroom floor that night. Thank goodness I did. My colonoscopy was normal and the doctor commended me for doing the prep so well. I told him, 'Now I know why colonoscopies are done every 5 years - that's how long it'll take me to physically and emotionally recover from the Suprep'."

• Ano...
• March 8, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I had no issues with the Suprep. I put it in the fridge the night before, then mixed it with cold water when I was ready to start. My 1st dose was at 6 pm. I used a straw, had Sprite and bottled water on hand. I alternated a drink of Suprep with Sprite and/or water. I got it down in 15 min, taking my time was the trick for me. It does taste like a salty fruit drink and it's clear. I had completed 1 of my waters by the time I got it down, so I had no issues getting the 2nd water down. It started working in 20 min. I stayed in the bathroom for an hour and 15 min, then that was it for the 1st round. I went to bed and woke at 4 am for my 2nd round and took it the exact same way. This time it started acting a little sooner and I stayed in the bathroom for 45 min. I did get up about 4-5 more times before 6:30 am. I experienced no stomach cramping. I have a very queasy stomach and never once felt nauseous."

• FLA...
• July 1, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Am 1 dose in and honestly, not been bad at all. I took lots of advice from here; used very cold water and got it down in 2-3 mins. It's lime-ish, does have a medicinal aftertaste. Straw didn't make much difference for me. I would imagine a half a teaspoon of lemonade Crystal Lite in it, or biting into a lemon or orange slice after would help. I just rinsed and started on my first of the next 2/16 oz of water. After 32 oz of water, very full. Last sip was a push, but maybe that beer chugging in college helped. Am 90 mins into it with 3 predictable trips to the bathroom, but it hasn't been with urgency that I thought would accompany it. Stomach gurgling gave me the heads up something is coming, but 'the event' is quick, and I could leave the tile haven between episodes. I did eat very lightly in the preceding days - salads, fish, fruit, so maybe that helped. But thank you all who have gone - LOL, no pun intended! - and left your thoughts and experiences; it definitely helped!!"

• Lul...
• July 12, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "Well, just finished going through the first portion of the Suprep. I must say, it was very difficult to drink. The taste is awful. I had to put a cup with Gatorade next to the cup with the preparation, so I could drink a sip between each time that I took a drink of the Suprep. But it really has worked. I was terrorized with fear, but I haven't had any cramping or stomach ache at all, no nausea, no headache, and except for the terrible taste, the experience hasn't been bad at all. This is my first time getting ready for a colonoscopy, and I was glad I found this site before I started, it eased all of my fears by reading all the other comments. Thank you for having this site up. It helped me a lot. Hope I am able to help someone else."

• kit...
• May 15, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "Suprep worked well, no complaints. It did taste sweet like heavy cough syrup, but yet heavily salty tasting. Mix it with cold Martinelli's apple and pear cider; easier to consume. Round 1, 5 pm, I poured 6 ounces of cooled Suprep into a 16-ounce container, then filled it with cold cider and used a straw. I took 30 minutes to finish, then drank 32 ounces of warm Gatorade within the hour. No stomach upset or vomiting or cramping; took about 3 hours to complete the elimination process. Get a magazine and hang out in the bathroom or watch a movie on a mobile device until the process slows down. Word of advice, get some A&D ointment prior to going; it will save your bum. Round 2, 4 am, did the same, no issues. 9:30 appointment, easy as could ever be."

• Scs...
• October 30, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "I took my first dose as directed at 6:00 pm. Didn't taste good, but I chugged it down and drank 32 more ounces of water. Had chills and lots of stomach rumbling, but no BM! And now it's almost 6 hours later and just chills and rumbling, but still no action. Supposed to take the second dose at 4:30 am, but I'll move that up to 3:00 am. Has anybody taken the first dose and... nothing?"

• dcC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2015

For Bowel Preparation "I drank the first cup within about 25 minutes, sucking on a Minute Maid frozen lemonade to help with the taste (I have a weak stomach). The taste is not really 'that' bad though... has a fruity/salty taste. About 30 minutes later, my stomach began turning, and I sprinted unsuccessfully to the restroom; I simply could not control my bowel movement. I am only 50 and am in great physical condition... but I was no match for the Suprep. I spent the next two hours visiting the bathroom frequently. The second dosage wasn't as bad urgency-wise, but I've spent a lot of time in the bathroom and now feel raw in that area from the frequent wiping. I'm hoping all is finished before I go to bed later. Good news is there was absolutely NO cramping."

• Izz...
• June 12, 2014

For Bowel Preparation "At first, I was hesitant about taking it from just the thought of having diarrhea. I manned up. The taste is like a chalky grape. It started about an hour after drinking the first bottle and the two 16 oz of water. The only discomfort is I'm bloated and having small stomach cramps, but nothing I can't handle."

• Got...
• January 16, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "This is my first colonoscopy, and the prep was not as bad as I imagined. My procedure was scheduled in the afternoon, so my dosing schedule was 7 pm the night before and 6 am the day of. The Suprep tastes bad, but it’s not unbearable. I put a scoop of (yellow) lemonade powder mix into the mixture, added some ice chips, and drank it as quickly as possible with a straw. I drank the required 32 oz of water over the next 30 minutes, and about an hour after drinking the Suprep, the “faucet” opened. I had no trouble making it to the bathroom and no leakage. I was on the toilet every 10-30 minutes for about 3 hours, then a couple of more times after that. I got decent sleep, then woke up for round 2. At the suggestion of some websites I visited, I applied some Vaseline after wiping and am very glad I did! Overall, some gurgling, bloating, and minor cramping, but not bad. Bottom line (pun intended) is that it’s better to prep for a colonoscopy than chemotherapy. You got this!"

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2014

For Bowel Preparation "It works even if you can't keep it down. My colonoscopy/endoscopy was May 16, 2014. Eat light meals like rice and chicken two days prior. The day before, follow directions - I drank Coca-Cola (for caffeine and sugar), orange Gatorade, and chicken broth. Drink the mix as directed through a straw and hold your nose. It tasted sweet and salty, and I could not chug it down - took 15 minutes to finish the prep mixture. Then 32 ounces of water. I had nausea, chills, and stomach cramps, but they went away in an hour. The second phase did not go so well - I threw up the mixture. But it still worked."

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "Tastes like an overly salty grape Gatorade. Started working within 30 minutes or so and continued for about 3 hours. The second dose in the morning gave me a little queasy stomach, which I associated with having an empty stomach. The cost with my insurance was $0."

• Poo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "It wasn't too bad. Mixed with Propel water after chilling both mix and water in the freezer for 10 minutes. I think this helped reduce the bad taste. Drank it down in about 3 minutes with a straw, followed by two 16 oz glasses of cold water, which took about 5 minutes. About 20 - 30 minutes later, started coming out the other end. It subsided in about 2 1/2 hours, went to bed, slept okay except there was a little gurgling all night. Next morning, got up and did it again, with the same results. I will say I think I was cleaned out after the first round."

• Hun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "I have had two colonoscopies in my life. The first one I used GoLYTELY. It was horrible to try and get that much fluid down, and I cramped so horribly it felt like my stomach would rupture! It definitely cleaned me out though. This time I did Suprep, it was a cakewalk comparably. No stomach cramps, I just felt like I was peeing out of my rectum. I am not so sure, however, how well it cleaned me out. The gastroenterologist said I was sufficiently cleaned, but I don't think I was as clean as I was the first time. The taste of Suprep is horrible, but still, it was way better than going through all that pain."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "I read the reviews and took some advice. The taste of Suprep isn’t pleasant but is not the worst. It doesn’t taste like Robitussin or NyQuil. Two days before my colonoscopy, I ate light: one egg, toast, and iced coffee for breakfast, an arugula salad for lunch, and chicken soup for dinner. The day before, a liquid diet: lots of water, Crystal Light, Powerade, ginger ale, and wonton soup (broth only). A variety of liquids kept me hydrated and my stomach ready for the laxative. I didn’t experience nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps. I like that I didn’t have bowel movements all night as I expected. You will go all water and know when you're completely clean as the colors in your bowel movements get lighter. Vaseline and baby wipes help to avoid chapped skin."

• Deu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "I took the first dose at 6 pm, got it all down within 10 min and 36 oz. of water within the next 20 min. Fast forward to 4 am and the second dose. I have had some stomach gurgling but have not gone to the bathroom yet. I got the second dose down same as the first, all Suprep and water within 40 min. I will be leaving for my colonoscopy at 7:30 am, so I hope this works before then. 1 HR 45 min after the 2nd dose, I had a small normal movement. Right now, it doesn't look good for my 8 am appointment. 2 hrs and 20 min after the 2nd dose, the diarrhea started. Within 45 min, it was mostly clear/yellowish, so I went to the appointment. I informed the nurse of my situation/concern but told her I thought the prep worked well enough. They took me in, put me under for the procedure. When they woke me, they informed me they could not complete it because the cleansing wasn't complete. I am now rescheduled with a different bowel prep. I followed all instructions to the letter, so thanks a s#*tload (pun definitely intended!) Suprep..."

• 26y...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "This stuff is nasty. Tastes like grape syrup. I hate grape, and I hate sweet stuff, so it was really hard for me to drink. I was gagging and took forever on the first dose but couldn't quite finish. Now it's the morning dose, and I didn't breathe from my nose or smell it, and I mixed it with Powerade. Much better, but my stomach starts bubbling as soon as I drink, and it's a lot of liquid, so I had to stop before throwing up. Definitely clears you out, but it is horrible."

• Bed...
• March 14, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "Suprep Bowel Prep Kit was the vilest tasting thing I've encountered in 76 years. If you plan to use this preparation for a colonoscopy, find a way to mask the taste. The Suprep left me with a very upset stomach nearly 24 hours after ingesting the first of the two bottles. At times, while drinking the preparation, I experienced some nausea. It did do the job of cleaning the colon, but it took a very long time to do it. The drug may work wonders for others, but I won't touch it again."

• Spa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 1, 2016

For Bowel Preparation "So... I hate this stuff. This morning I took the second bottle. It stayed down for about 30 minutes before I projectile vomited all of it into the toilet (which is where it would have ended up anyway, I guess). I called my doc and they said to just drink water for a while. I hate nausea more than anything. I get kidney stones on a regular basis, and I would rather deal with screaming kidneys than nausea. So this was particularly awful for me. However, if you don't mind an upset stomach for a couple hours, then it might not be so bad. The taste is horrific, but it is definitely effective in clearing out the colon. My colonoscopy is in an hour. I bought a pizza and ice cream for when I get back to make myself feel better about this experience."

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "First time using this for colonoscopy, so I didn’t know what to expect. It actually wasn't bad. I may be weird, but I didn’t mind the taste. I didn’t need to do any weird tricks to get it down. Tastes like grape medicine that’s too salty. First dose didn’t have any side effects, which was nice. Second dose the following morning, I had stomach cramps that came and went over 30 min or so. Not too bad, but definitely uncomfortable. No nausea or vomiting it back up, but I took about 15-20 min to sip it down slowly each time. All in all, not a bad prep!"

• 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."

• Cle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 13, 2019

For Bowel Preparation "I had my first colonoscopy yesterday. I was worried Suprep wouldn’t clean me out since I’m usually constipated... boy, was I wrong. This stuff WORKS. And it works well. I had absolutely no stomach cramps, the only uncomfortable thing was the bad chills. Had to have a blanket over my two sweatshirts I had on and was still freezing. Took the first dose at 6 pm, and it took me an hour to drink it (it’s not bad at first but gets worse and more difficult to stomach towards the end). The stuff started working before I finished it, I’d say 30 minutes in. Took the second dose at 9 am, but again, was on the toilet by 9:15. I stayed there until around 11:45, and I was clear and yellow by then. Good luck to all, it’s really not so bad. Actually, kind of a nice cleanse!"

• SLR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2022

For Bowel Preparation "I just wanted to write a review because I'm so appreciative of this board! I read many of these reviews that convinced me to 1) ask my doctor to switch me to Suprep and 2) plan my evening/morning. All went super smoothly! I... --refrigerated the Suprep bottles for 24 hours before starting --mixed each of the Suprep bottles with water 4+ hours before starting, added two True Lemon packets to each one, and re-refrigerated --got a boba tea straw from the local tea shop --sliced a lemon and it was fine? I'm not excited to do it again, but two True Lemon packets made it drinkable (at least the first 10-12 oz), sucking on lemon slices helped in between, the boba tea straw allowed for something closer to gulping, and I was able to get through each cup in 20-30 min. Lots of water/Gatorade in between. The post-Suprep results were also fine. I stayed close to the toilet and had several longer sessions, but it wasn't awful or any worse than a significant stomachache. A+++. Thanks!"

• Kan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 18, 2020

For Bowel Preparation "It was so nasty, I had a hard, hard time. Bad stomach cramps. On the second dose, it was all I could do to get halfway through. My colon felt like it had battery acid going through it. Threw the rest out and hoped for the best. No water to drink for 10 hours because they were backed up in the waiting room. I was rejected because my vitals-heart-too rapid. They sent me to the emergency room. I was dehydrated and had a drip put in. I am not doing this one again. I'll take the pills or do the Cologuard. Still gagging thinking about it."

• No ...
• June 26, 2017

For Bowel Preparation "This gets a rating of 5 because it is absolutely the worst-tasting stuff I have ever tried to drink. On effectiveness, I would give it a 10. The taste is horrid, though. I didn't get stomach cramps or bloated. Within 10 minutes of drinking, I was on my way to the bathroom. But the more of this 14 oz I drank, the harder it became. I didn't get it all down. I knew my limit, and if I continued, I would have lost what I had already consumed. I'm dreading my 5 am dose in the morning."

• Bet...
• April 17, 2018

For Bowel Preparation "This was my first colonoscopy with Suprep. Instead of the two-step procedure, I was called to report early, which meant that I had to do both preps in the evening. I started drinking the Suprep at 6:00 pm. I drank it in about 10 minutes. Didn't gulp, but pretty fast with 8 oz. in 5 minutes. I drank with a straw and plain cold water. I then completed all 32 ounces within the hour. It took 40 minutes. Slight fullness, but no real nausea or vomiting. There was no pain or cramping, just some gurgling. When I heard that I had almost no time, I read my iPad and stayed as comfortable as I could. I was finished by 9. At 10:15, I started drinking the cold prep with the straw. I finished by 10:30 and began 16 ounces of ice water. In less than 20 minutes, the content was liquid. It was clear halfway through. I got in bed at 12 and went twice with just water. I slept from 1 to 5 and got up at 6. My experience was good. I credit it to the prep. I stuck to the instructions."