SUTAB Prep

SUTAB Prep Explained

SUTAB is a tablet-based bowel preparation used before a colonoscopy. It cleans the colon using oral tablets taken with water rather than a large-volume liquid solution. The prep is completed in stages and works best when dietary and medication guidelines are followed closely.

Important Things to Know

Your prep instructions differ from those included on the box, do not follow instructions on box. Please follow these instructions carefully! Important: Please do not eat breakfast the day prior to your procedure!

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

SUTAB preparation follows a structured timeline that begins several days before your procedure and continues through the morning of your exam. You’ll make diet and medication adjustments in advance, follow a clear-liquid diet the day before, and take two doses of the prep at scheduled times. Specific instructions and timing details are outlined 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 oil-based vitamins and supplements to include Vitamin A, D, E, Fish Oil, Etc.

Step 3.

3 Days Before Your Procedure

If Applicable,

STOP SGLT2 medications 3 days prior to procedure.

Step 4.

Day Before Your Procedure

From the moment you wake up, start a clear liquid diet. Do not eat breakfast. Avoid red beverages. This is different from the box instructions, please follow our instructions.
Take only clear liquids by mouth. 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.
- To decrease the chance of nausea, you may take one Zofran tablet 30-60 minutes prior to drinking your prep. If you become nauseated or vomit, you may repeat Zofran x1.
At 5:00 pm open 1 SUTAB bottle of 12 tablets. Fill provided cup with water to 16oz line. Swallow 1 tablet with water every 1-2 minutes. You should finish the 12 tablets and the entire 16oz of water within 20 minutes. Wait 1 hour.
After 1 hour, fill the provided cup to the 16oz line and drink over 30 minutes.
30 minutes after completing the 2nd cup, fill the provided cup to the 16oz line and drink the entire 3rd cup over 30 minutes. This will induce stools. You must finish the dose and three 16oz cups of water within 2 hours of starting.
If you experience nausea while taking your prep, stop drinking and allow the nausea to settle. You may take a 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.
You may continue consuming clear liquids before and after your bowel prep.

Step 5.

Day of Your Procedure

Start the second dose of SUTAB starting 7 hours before your exam’s scheduled time (e.g.: if your appointment is at 10 am, you should start at 3 am. If it is at 1 pm, you should start at 6 am). Fill provided cup with water to the 16oz line. Swallow 1 tablet with a sip of water every 1-2 minutes. You should finish the 12 tablets and the entire 16oz of water within 20 minutes. Wait 1 hour.
- To decrease the chance of nausea, you may take one Zofran tablet 30-60 minutes prior to drinking your prep. If you become nauseated or vomit, you may repeat Zofran x1.
After 1 hour, fill the provided to the 16oz line and drink the 2nd cup over 30 minutes.
30 minutes after completing the 2nd cup, fill the provided cup to 16oz and drink the entire 3rd cup over 30 minutes. This will induce stools. You must finish the second bottle and three 16oz cups of water within 2 hours of starting so your stomach is empty for your exam.
After completion of the prep, your stools should be watery and see-through. If they are not, or you have any concerns about the quality of your prep, please call us.
Please continue consuming clear liquids after prep completion 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.
Please bring a list of your current medications and correct dosage to your appointment.

Step 6.

Después de la intervención

NO DRIVING – Because of the sedatives that you will be given you cannot drive for the remainder of the day. 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 post-sedation.
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 your exam – that means no solid foods for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – liquids only.
You must complete your entire bowel prep. We often see poor bowel preparations because patients stop drinking.
If you have trouble with the taste of the prep, try sucking on ice or a lemon wedge to fool your taste buds.
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 – it can help!
PLEASE do not drink water or anything while driving to your appointment or waiting for your appointment – we need your stomach empty to safely use sedation.
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.

This summary describes how to use SUTAB as part of the colonoscopy prep used at Idaho Gastroenterology Associates. It does not replace the detailed written directions you receive. Always follow your printed instructions and contact our office if anything is confusing.

SUTAB Prep

SUTAB Prep Explained

Important Things to Know

Timing & Schedule

Supplies Needed

Download

Recursos para pacientes

Ayudando a Idaho a sentirse mejor desde 1976.

SUTAB Prep

SUTAB Prep Explained

Important Things to Know

Timing & Schedule

Supplies Needed

Download

Recursos para pacientes

Procedimientos relacionados

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