Programas clínicos
¡Próximamente!

MiraLAX Prep

MiraLAX Prep Explained

This bowel preparation uses over-the-counter MiraLAX combined with laxatives and clear liquids to cleanse the colon before colonoscopy. Completing the prep as directed helps ensure the colon is clear so it can be thoroughly and safely examined.

Important Things to Know

  • If you do not have regular, daily bowel movements, or are on a GLP1 medication let us know. You will need different instructions to have a successful exam.
  • Continue all aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications including ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, naproxen, Naprosyn, sulindac, piroxicam, Feldene, indomethacin, diclofenac, and Voltaren. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is also safe to continue.
  • If you take a prescribed blood thinner you will need holding instructions from our office.
  • Arrange to have a driver take you home after the procedure. You will not be allowed to drive after receiving sedation.

If you have diabetes or are taking medications for weight loss, use the following instructions:

    • Fasting (going without food) is required for this procedure, monitor your blood sugar and follow these directions
      • GLP-1 - STOP 7 days prior to your procedure. (ex: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Trulicity, Semaglutide, Tirzepatide)
      • SGLT2 - Stop 3 days prior to procedure (ex: Jardiance, Farxiga, Invokana, Steglatro, Brenzavvy, Glyxambi, Synjardy, Xigduo, Qtern)
      • Other oral diabetic medication: do not take the morning of your procedure.
      • Insulin Pump: Leave on, if you have questions refer to your endocrinologist.
      • Long-acting Insulin: half dose the evening before procedure. Do not take the morning of your procedure.
      • Short-acting insulin: dose as necessary with blood sugar monitoring.
      • If you are concerned about your blood sugar dropping, consider purchasing glucose tablets.

Timing & Schedule

MiraLAX preparation follows a structured timeline that begins several days before your procedure and continues through the day of your exam. You’ll make diet and supplement adjustments in advance, follow a clear-liquid diet the day before, and complete the prep in scheduled doses. Detailed instructions and exact timing are provided below.

Instructions:
Step 1.
7 Days Before Your Procedure

If applicable,

  • STOP ALL GLP-1 medications 7 days prior to procedure.
Step 2.
5 Days Before Your Procedure
  • No nuts or seeds.
  • Stop all fiber supplements including Metamucil, Citrucel, Benefiber, FiberChoice and flax seeds. If you are taking these to
    treat constipation, take 17g of MiraLAX daily starting five days prior to your procedure in place of the fiber. (This will
    require you to purchase MiraLAX in addition to bowel preparation stated above).
  • Stop all iron supplements, fish oil, CBD oil, or any oil-based supplements.
Step 3.
3 Days Before Your Procedure

If applicable,

  • STOP ALL SGLT2 medications 3 days prior to procedure.
Step 4.
Day Before Your Procedure - Step 1

From the moment you wake up, start a clear liquid diet. Do not eat breakfast. Avoid red beverages.

  • This includes clear juices (apple, grape, strained orange, strained lemonade), tea, coffee (no milk or creamer), soft drinks, sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade), clear broth or bouillon, Jell-O, and Popsicles.
  • Avoid red drinks, red Jell-O, and dairy products.
  • Consume large amounts of clear fluids to increase success of the bowel flush, help avoid hunger and avoid dehydration.
Step 5.
Day Before Your Procedure - Step 2
  • 3:00 pm, take the (4) Bisacodyl tablets. You may experience cramps and stools after ingestion.
Step 6.
Day Before Your Procedure - Step 3
  • 5:00 pm, mix the full bottle of MiraLAX (238 g or 14 capfuls) into 64 ounces (8 Cups) of your selected sports drink. Shake until completely dissolved.
    • To decrease the chance of nausea, you may take one Zofran tablet 30-60 minutes prior to drinking your prep.
    • Drink one 8 - ounce glass every 10-15 minutes until you have finished the 64 ounces (8 cups).
  • If no stools occur within 2 hours of completion, repeat this step. This will require you to purchase more MiraLAX and sports drink.
  • If you experience nausea while taking your prep, stop drinking and allow the nausea to settle. You may take a second Zofran tablet to help ease your nausea. When you resume drinking, drink slower or through a straw to help avoid nausea. If vomiting occurs, please call us at the numbers above.
  • Continue drinking clear liquids. This helps your prep be more successful.
Step 7.
Day of Your Procedure
  • 6 hours prior to your procedure (i.e., if your appointment is at 10 am, start at 4 am. If appointment is 1 pm, start at 7 am)
    • Mix the remaining bottle of MiraLAX (119 g or 7 capfuls) with the remaining 32 ounces of sports drink. Shake until completely dissolved.
    • Drink 8 ounces every 10-15 minutes. It is necessary to drink the ENTIRE 2nd bottle, even if your bowels appear clear.
    • To decrease the chance of nausea, you may take one Zofran tablet 30-60 minutes prior to drinking your prep. If you experience nausea while drinking your prep you may take the fourth and final Zofran tablet.
  • Stools should be watery, yellow and see-through. If you have concerns about the quality of your prep, please call us.
  • Continue consuming clear liquids to avoid dehydration up until 4 hours prior to your scheduled procedure.
  • 4 hours prior to your procedure STOP drinking fluid. You may take small sips of water only to take your prescribed medications – this is very important. Drinking within 4 hours of your procedure may result in delay or cancellation.
  • Bring a list of your current medications and correct dosages to your appointment.
Step 8.
Después de la intervención
  • NO DRIVING –you cannot drive for the remainder of the day if you are sedated. You need to have a responsible driver to take you home after your procedure. If your driver wishes to discuss the results of your procedure with the doctor, please have them accompany you to your procedure and remain on site.
  • We do not recommend Uber, Lyft, or taking a taxi – these are not acceptable forms of transportation.
  • You will be sedated for your procedure. Please avoid alcohol and making legal decisions for the remainder of the day after your procedure.
Take Aways
Additional Details
Medication:
  • STOP GLP-1 medications 7 days prior to your procedure
  • STOP SGLT2 medications 3 days prior to procedure
  • Clear liquids only the day before and day of your exam. Do NOT drink any fluids 4 hours prior to your exam.
  • You must complete your entire bowel prep. We often see poor bowel preparations because patients stop drinking.
  • If you have trouble drinking the prep, try sucking on ice or a lemon wedge, brush your teeth, chew gum, or rinse your mouth.
  • If you finish the whole prep and your stool is brown, thick, or not clear please call us for advice.
  • If you are nauseated or vomit with the prep, stop drinking to allow your stomach to settle and take the Zofran we provide.
  • You may not remember your conversation with your doctor after your procedure – we STRONGLY recommend your driver stays IN our facility to speak with the doctor after your test.
  • Your procedure time will be approximately 90 minutes from the scheduled check-in time to discharge for procedures in the Meridian, Boise, and Canyon County Endoscopy Centers. Please coordinate with your driver to alleviate delays in discharge. Patients’ stay times for hospital procedures may be longer.
  • We cannot be responsible for your valuables (watches or various jewelry items). Please leave them at home.
  • Bring all insurance cards and a photo ID with you.
  • Please check with your insurance company regarding prior authorization.
  • Fee for services is required at time of check-in.Please be prepared to make a payment.
  • IGA recognizes that your time is valuable, and so is ours. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please do so more than 48 business hours prior to your scheduled appointment arrival time at 208-343-6458. Late cancellations and no shows may be assessed a $200 fee.
These instructions summarize the MiraLAX prep used at Idaho Gastroenterology Associates and do not replace the full written directions you receive from our office. Always follow the specific instructions given for your procedure, and contact us if you have questions or need help with any step.

Supplies Needed

4 Bisacodyl 5mg laxative tablets (laxative, not stool softener)
1 large 238g bottle of MiraLAX (over-the-counter)
1 smaller 119g bottle of MiraLAX (over-the-counter)
96 ounces of sports drink (any flavor except red)
Prescription Zofran tablets for nausea (typically four tablets)

Ayudando a Idaho a sentirse mejor desde 1976.

La información de este sitio web tiene fines exclusivamente educativos y no sustituye el asesoramiento médico.

Si tienes una emergencia, llama al 911.
© 2026 Idaho Gastroenterology Associates. Todos los derechos reservados.
Sitio web diseñado por:
ADVANTAGE ADVERTISING, S.L.
LinkedIn Facebook Pinterest YouTube rss Twitter Instagram facebook-en blanco rss-blank linkedin-en blanco Pinterest YouTube Twitter Instagram