It is very important that you follow each step and complete all of these instructions or your colonoscopy may have to be repeated.


Purchase in Advance- 

  • SUTAB (sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride) tablets is an orally administered laxative and are provided as two bottles, each containing 12 tablets. 

Seven Days before Colonoscopy-

  • Stop all fiber supplements and medications containing iron, including multivitamins.
  • You may have to stop certain medications. Talk with your prescribing physician and let them know you are getting a colonoscopy.


SUTAB's Split-Dose (2-Day) Regimen- The recommended Split-Dose regimen for adults consists of two doses of SUTAB: the first dose during the evening prior to colonoscopy and the second dose the next day, during the morning of the colonoscopy. 


Please do not take oral medications within 1 hour of starting each dose of SUTAB. If taking tetracycline or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, iron, digoxin, chlorpromazine, or penicillamine, take these medications at least 2 hours before and not less than 6 hours after administration of each dose of SUTAB. 

Stop consumption of all fluids at least 2 hours prior to the colonoscopy.


A Day before Colonoscopy- Dietary Modifications

  • DO NOT eat any solid food starting today. 
  • Please have a clear liquid diet for the rest of the day. Please avoid all liquids that are red or purple. Please avoid all dairy products.
  • A clear liquid diet may include:
  • Soup: Clear broths such as chicken, vegetables, beef consommé. These broths  should not have noodles or solid food in them
  • Juice: Apple, limeade, white cranberry, white grape
  • Beverages: Tea (please do not add milk), coffee (please do not add milk), soda, Gatorade (or other sports drinks), water, vitamin water(or other similar drinks)
  • Desserts: Jello (no red or purple), Italian ices, popsicles, hard candies

Patient instructions -

Dose 1- One day prior to colonoscopy: 

  • Early in the evening prior to the colonoscopy, open one bottle of 12 tablets. 
  • Fill the provided container with 16 ounces of water (up to the fill line). Swallow each tablet with a sip of water and drink the entire amount over 15 to 20 minutes. 
  • Approximately one hour after the last tablet is ingested, fill the provided container a second time with 16 ounces of water (up to the fill line) and drink the entire amount over 30 minutes. 
  • Approximately 30 minutes after finishing the second container of water, fill the provided container again with 16 ounces of water (up to the fill line) and drink the entire amount over 30 minutes. 

If patients experience preparation-related symptoms (e.g. nausea, bloating, cramping), pause or slow the rate of drinking the additional water until symptoms diminish.

Dose 2 - Day of colonoscopy: 

  • Continue to consume only clear liquids until after the colonoscopy. 
  • The morning of colonoscopy (5 to 8 hours prior to the colonoscopy and no sooner than 4 hours from starting Dose 1) open the second bottle of 12 tablets. 
  • Fill the provided container with 16 ounces of water (up to the fill line). Swallow each tablet with a sip of water and drink the entire amount over 15 to 20 minutes. 
  • Approximately one hour after the last tablet is ingested, fill the provided container a second time with 16 ounces of water (up to the fill line) and drink the entire amount over 30 minutes. 
  • Approximately 30 minutes after finishing the second container of water, fill the provided container again with 16 ounces of water (up to the fill line) and drink the entire amount over 30 minutes. 
  • If patients experience preparation-related symptoms (e.g. nausea, bloating, cramping), pause or slow the rate of drinking the additional water until symptoms diminish. 
  • Complete all SUTAB tablets and water at least two hours prior to colonoscopy.

How do I know if my prep is adequate?

The stool should be watery in consistency and should be a clear, yellow-tinged fluid without stool particles. Digestive secretions will continue to “tint” the stool yellow. If you are concerned that there are still stool particles present, you can self-administer one or two saline enema laxatives (these are available in pharmacies without prescription as 4.5 fluid ounce enemas) prior to leaving home for the procedure. If your prep is inadequate, the physician may not be able to visualize the entire colon adequately.

  • Make sure you know where your colonoscopy will be performed.
  • Please arrive in advance of your scheduled procedure time to allow time to complete the necessary paperwork.
  • Please bring a photo ID.
  • Please bring a current insurance card, if applicable.
  • If for any reason you need to cancel your procedure, please call your doctor at the number provided to you. You must call at least 48 hours in advance to allow other patients to be scheduled for procedures.

Credits- Mount Sinai Health System