How Long You'll Poop After Taking Suprep Bowel Prep for Colonoscopy

Understanding Bowel Prep with Suprep for Colonoscopy

Getting ready for a colonoscopy can be an unpleasant experience, especially when it comes to the bowel prep. Suprep is a common solution used to clean out the bowel before a colonoscopy. It works quickly and effectively, but causes significant diarrhea. Here's what to expect when it comes to how long you'll poop after the second dose of Suprep.

What is Suprep?

Suprep is an osmotic laxative solution consisting of sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate. It works by drawing water into the colon to induce diarrhea and clean out the bowel prior to colonoscopy.

The Suprep kit contains two 6 ounce bottles of liquid, along with a mixing container. The liquid has a flavoring added to make it more palatable.

How to Take Suprep

Suprep is taken as a split dose. This means you take one 6 ounce bottle the evening before the colonoscopy, and the second 6 ounce bottle the morning of the procedure.

For the first dose:

• Pour one 6 ounce bottle of Suprep liquid into the mixing container
• Add cool drinking water to the 16 ounce line on the container and mix
• Drink all the liquid in the container
• You must drink two more 16 ounce containers of water over the next 1 hour

For the second dose:

• Pour the second 6 ounce bottle of Suprep liquid into the mixing container
• Add cool drinking water to the 16 ounce line on the container and mix
• Drink all the liquid in the container
• You must drink two more 16 ounce containers of water over the next 1 hour

What to Expect After the Second Dose

The second dose of Suprep prompts a rapid emptying of the colon. Most people experience the urge to have a bowel movement within an hour of finishing the solution. You'll likely need the restroom frequently and urgently after taking the morning dose.

Here's a timeline of what to expect with the number of bowel movements after the second dose of Suprep:

• Within 1 hour - Expect 2 or 3 liquid, watery bowel movements
• 2 hours - You'll likely have 2 to 4 more episodes of diarrhea
• 3 hours - Diarrhea continues, estimate another 2 to 3 bowel movements
• 4 hours - Frequency of bowel movements starts to taper off, with 1 to 2 more movements
• 5 hours - Only occasional trips to the bathroom, diarrhea likely stopping
• 8 hours - Bowel movements subside as the laxative effect wears off

So in total, in the 5 hours after taking the second dose of Suprep, you'll pass stool between 7 and 12 times. It may seem never-ending when you're experiencing the frequent urges to defecate, but the number of bowel movements will reduce as the morning goes on.

Making Bowel Prep Easier

Preparing for a colonoscopy with Suprep isn't the most pleasant experience. However, there are some tips to make it a little easier:

• Stay near a bathroom after taking the morning dose
• Use soft toilet paper or flushable wipes to reduce bottom soreness
• Apply a protective ointment to prevent skin irritation
• Drink fluids throughout the prep to stay hydrated
• Try chilled grape or cherry flavored drinks to get extra calories
• Use mentholated ointment under your nose to mask unpleasant odors
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• Use a soothing lotion for bloating or abdominal discomfort

While Suprep works rapidly to clear out the colon, it is a short-lived effect. By following prep instructions properly and staying hydrated, the diarrhea should resolve within about 5 hours after the last dose. Let your doctor know if you have any severe side effects or the bowel movements don't reduce as expected.

Results of Suprep Bowel Prep

Suprep is an effective bowel prep solution that empties the colon by inducing watery diarrhea. You can expect to have about 7 to 12 bowel movements in the hours after the second dose. This allows a clear view of the colon during the colonoscopy procedure.

It's normal to pass clear or yellow fluid with little solid matter at the end of the prep. While not the most comfortable process, properly completing the Suprep prep ensures a successful colonoscopy.

Alternative Bowel Prep Options

If you don't think you can tolerate Suprep, there are a few other options for colonoscopy preparation:

• Miralax and Gatorade - Drink 8 ounces of Miralax mixed into Gatorade split into 2 doses
• Clenpiq - Has less volume to drink than Suprep, also a split dose
• Prepopik - Lower sodium content than Suprep, split dose regimen
• Sutab - No need to mix, just swallow tablets with water

Talk to your doctor about the different colonoscopy prep options if you're concerned about tolerating Suprep. The key is finding an option that will comfortably and thoroughly empty your colon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the diarrhea from Suprep last?

The laxative effects of Suprep usually last for about 5 hours after taking the second dose before bowel movements start to subside. Most people experience between 7 to 12 watery bowel movements in the hours after the morning prep.

What color should liquid be at the end of Suprep prep?

It's normal to pass clear or yellow liquid without solid particles at the end of completing the Suprep prep. This indicates your colon has been adequately cleared of stool contents.

Is it normal to have cramping with Suprep?

Some abdominal cramping or bloating can occur when taking Suprep. Stay well hydrated during the prep, and consider a soothing lotion or warm compress on your abdomen if cramping is uncomfortable.

How long does it take Suprep to work?

You'll start having watery bowel movements within 1 hour of drinking the second dose of Suprep in the morning. The laxative effects typically last around 5 hours before tapering off.

Can I eat anything during Suprep prep?

You should stick to only clear liquids without pulp or particles during the Suprep prep. Good options include water, mineral water, black coffee or tea, plain gelatin, popsicles, broth, and apple or white grape juice.

The Bottom Line

Preparing for a colonoscopy with Suprep isn't the most fun process. But it's temporary discomfort that leads to an important screening test. Expect frequent watery bowel movements for about 5 hours after the second dose. Stay near a restroom, drink fluids, and use wipes or ointments to ease bottom soreness. While challenging, proper bowel prep with Suprep provides the best visualization of the colon during colonoscopy.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.