Generic name: magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate [ mag-NEE-see-um-SUL-fate, poe-TA-see-um-SUL-fate, and-SOE-dee-um-SUL-fate ]
Brand name: Suprep Bowel Prep Kit
Drug class: Laxatives

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 22, 2023.

What is Suprep Bowel Prep?

Suprep Bowel Prep contains a combination of magnesium, potassium, and sodium sulfates. Magnesium, potassium, and sodium are electrolyte minerals that occur naturally in body fluids and they are used in a laxative that works by increasing the amount of water in your intestines and helps your bowels to move more quickly.

Suprep Bowel Prep causes diarrhea for the purpose of cleaning your colon before a colonoscopy. Cleaning the colon allows the inside of your colon to be seen more clearly on the colonoscopy.

Suprep is for use in adults and children at least 12 years old.

Warnings

Suprep can cause severe dehydration, which can lead to a serious electrolyte imbalance, seizures, or kidney failure.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting and cannot drink enough water for your bowel prep, or if you have a headache, dizziness, or decreased urination.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Suprep if you are allergic to magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, or sodium sulfate, or if you have:

• a bowel obstruction, colitis or toxic megacolon;

• a dilated intestine;

• a perforation (a hole or tear) of your intestines; or

• slow digestion.

To make sure Suprep is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems, including long QT syndrome;

• a stomach or intestinal disorder;

• ulcerative colitis;

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium, magnesium, or sodium in your blood);

• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);

• a sensitive gag reflex, or trouble swallowing;

• a seizure;

• kidney disease;

• gout; or

• alcohol or opioid withdrawal.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Suprep Bowel Prep is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

Related/similar drugs

MiraLAX, erythromycin, bisacodyl, polyethylene glycol 3350, senna, Dulcolax

How should I take Suprep Bowel Prep?

Use the Suprep Bowel Prep exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Never use an adult-strength bowel prep kit in anyone 12 to 18 years old.

Carefully follow all instructions about what to eat or drink in the days before your colon prep.

You must dilute Suprep with water before drinking it. Drinking the pure liquid can increase your risk of nausea, vomiting, or dehydration.

Do not eat solid food once you start taking Suprep.

You will need to drink extra water once you start your colon prep. Drink only clear liquids and avoid alcohol, milk, or any drink that is red or purple.

Suprep can cause severe dehydration, which can lead to a serious electrolyte imbalance, seizures, or kidney failure. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting and cannot drink enough water for your bowel prep, or if you have a headache, dizziness, or decreased urination.

Store at room temperature.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor if you cannot drink the entire amount of medicine and liquids as instructed in time for your colonoscopy.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose is unlikely to occur if you take Suprep Bowel Prep Kit exactly as directed.

What to avoid

Do not take other laxatives during your colon prep.

Suprep Bowel Prep side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Suprep: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• a headache and dizziness;

• little or no urination;

• severe nausea or vomiting;

• painful bloating or stomach cramps;

• trouble drinking liquids;

• mouth sores;

• a seizure;

• irregular heartbeats; or

• worsening gout symptoms (joint pain, redness, or swelling).

Common Suprep side effects may include:

• stomach pain or discomfort;

• nausea, vomiting; or

• mild bloating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Suprep Bowel Prep?

Suprep can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth within 1 hour before your colon prep.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• a laxative;

• heart or blood pressure medication;

• a diuretic or "water pill";

• medicine to treat a kidney problem;

• seizure medication; or

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with sodium, potassium, and magnesium sulfates, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

• Suprep - Can I start the prep earlier?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Suprep only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01.