Magnesium Sulfate, Potassium Sulfate, and Sodium Sulfate: MedlinePlus Drug Information

Magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate comes as a comes as a solution (liquid) (Suprep®) and as tablets (Sutab®) to take by mouth. The first dose is usually taken the night before the colonoscopy and the second dose taken the morning of the procedure. Your doctor will tell you exactly when you should take your medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it than prescribed by your doctor.

To prepare for your colonoscopy, you may not eat any solid food or drink milk beginning the day before the procedure. You should only have clear liquids during this time. Examples of clear liquids are water, light colored fruit juice without pulp, clear broth, coffee or tea without milk, flavored gelatin, popsicles, and soft drinks. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or any liquid that is red or purple. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about which liquids you may drink before your colonoscopy. Tell your doctor if you have trouble drinking clear liquids.

If you are taking the solution (Suprep®), you will need to mix the medication solution with water right before you take it. If you swallow the solution without mixing it with water, there is a greater chance that you will experience unpleasant or dangerous side effects. To prepare each dose of your medication, pour the contents of one bottle of magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate solution into the dosing container that was provided with the medication and fill the container with water up to the line (16 ounces, 480 mL or 12 ounces, 300 mL) that is marked on the cup. Drink the entire mixture right away. You will take your first dose on the evening before your colonoscopy. After you take this dose, you will need to drink two containers (16 ounces, 480 mL or 12 ounces, 300 mL) of water within the next hour before you go to bed. You will take your second dose the next morning before your colonoscopy is scheduled. After you take the second dose, you will need to drink two containers (16 ounces, 480 mL or 12 ounces, 300 mL) of water within the next hour, but you should finish all the drinks at least 2 hours before your colonoscopy.

If you are taking the tablets (Sutab®), each dose is 12 tablets. You will take your first dose (12 tablets) the evening before your colonoscopy is scheduled and your second dose (12 tablets) the following morning before your colonoscopy is scheduled. For each dose, you will need to fill the container that was provided with water up to the line (16 ounces, 480 mL) that is marked on the cup. You should take each tablet with a sip of water and then drink the entire contents of the cup over 15 to 20 minutes. Approximately 1 hour after you take a dose (12 tablets), you will need to drink one 16-ounce container of water over 30 minutes; 30 minutes after finishing the second container of water, you will need to drink another 16-ounce container of water over 30 minutes. After you take the second dose (12 tablets), you should finish all the drinks at least 2 hours before your colonoscopy.

You will have many bowel movements during your treatment with magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and sodium sulfate. Be sure to stay close to a toilet from the time you take your first dose of the medication until the time of your colonoscopy appointment. Ask your doctor about other things you can do to stay comfortable during this time.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with this medication. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.