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Compare Golytely vs. Suprep

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

PEG 3350/electrolytes (Golytely, Nulytely, Moviprep, Plenvu, Gavilyte) and Suprep (sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate) are both osmotic laxatives used to clean the colon before a colonoscopy. They work by pulling water into the intestines to cause diarrhea, which helps clear the colon. However, they differ in several ways. PEG 3350/electrolytes is available in multiple brands and requires you to drink a large volume of liquid, ranging from 1 to 4 liters, depending on the brand. Suprep, on the other hand, requires less liquid, with two 6-ounce doses mixed with water. PEG 3350/electrolytes can be used in children as young as 6 months for some brands, while Suprep is approved for children 12 years and older. Common side effects for both include nausea and bloating, but Suprep may also cause a gout attack and is not recommended for people with kidney problems. Additionally, Suprep has a berry flavor, while PEG 3350/electrolytes may come with flavor packets. Both medications can cause serious side effects like dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, so it's important to stay hydrated and follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully.

Peg 3350/electrolytes bowel prep
Suprep
Peg 3350/electrolytes bowel prep
Suprep
Summary of Golytely vs. Suprep
Summary for Osmotic laxative
Prescription only
PEG 3350/electrolytes bowel prep is mixed into a solution and taken by mouth to clean the bowels for procedures called colonoscopy and barium enema x-ray examination. This medication works well, but requires you to drink a lot of liquid. There are many brands of PEG 3350/electrolytes bowel preps and they can differ from one another in things such as the amount of solution you need to drink, the type of electrolytes or ingredients they contain, and when you need to start the bowel prep. Most bowel preps can only be used in adults, but some can be used in children as young as 6 months of age.
Summary for Osmotic laxative
Prescription only
Suprep is a combination bowel prep kit used to clean out your colon before a colonoscopy. It works by causing diarrhea, which helps clear your intestines so that your gastroenterologist can see inside your colon more clearly. The medication is a berry-flavored liquid taken in two doses that must be prepared according to the instructions. You take the first dose on the night before your procedure and the second dose on the morning of your procedure. Common side effects include bloating, stomach pain, and nausea.
Indications of Golytely vs. Suprep
Indications for

•Cleansing the colon to prepare for colonoscopy

•Cleansing the colon to prepare for barium enema x-ray examination (Golytely, Colyte, Gavilyte-C, and certain generic preps only)

Indications for

•Colon cleansing before a colonoscopy
Pros and Cons of Golytely vs. Suprep
Pros and Const for Osmotic laxative
Pros

•Comes in many brands that differ in factors, such as how much solution you need to drink or the type of electrolytes in the solution, which gives you options to choose a bowel prep that fits your needs

•Some bowel prep solutions have flavor packets to improve taste

•Nulytely, Gavilyte N, and certain generics can be taken by children as young as 6 months old

•Many of the bowel preps can also be taken through a nasogastric tube (NG tube) for people who can't swallow

Cons

•Requires you to drink a lot of liquid, so can be time-consuming

•Can cause your electrolytes to be out of balance, which might raise your risk of side effects, such as kidney damage or seizures

•Can cause nausea; some people have a hard time finishing

•Can cause dehydration (loss of body fluids) if you don't drink enough liquids during the treatment

Pros and Const for Osmotic laxative
Pros

•Works quickly, within an hour or so

•Requires less liquid to drink compared to other bowel prep products

•Berry-flavored for taste

•Brand-name medication is approved for adults and children 12 years and older

Cons

•Commonly causes nausea and vomiting

•Might not be safe for people with kidney problems

•Raises the risk of a gout attack in people with gout

•Can interact with medications taken by mouth if taken close to your prep time
Common Side Effects of Golytely vs. Suprep
Common Side Effects for

•Nausea

•Vomiting

•Feeling very full in your stomach

•Bloating

•Stomach cramps

•Anal irritation

•Shivering (Moviprep)

•Trouble sleeping (Moviprep)

•More hungry and thirsty (Moviprep)

•Tiredness (Moviprep)

Common Side Effects for
Adults:

•Overall discomfort (54%)

•Bloating (40%)

•Stomach pain (36%)

•Nausea (36%)

•Vomiting (8%)

Children: (more than 10%)

•Nausea

•Stomach pain

•Bloating

•Vomiting
Warnings of Golytely vs. Suprep
Common Side Effects for

•Low body fluids and electrolyte problems

•Heart beat problems

•Seizures

•Kidney damage

•Damage to your colon

•Choking or difficulty breathing

•Use with caution in low glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and phenylketonuria (PKU) - Moviprep and Plenvu only

Common Side Effects for

•Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

•Heart rhythm problems

•Seizures

•Kidney problems

•Colon problems

•Serious choking
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Compare Golytely vs. Suprep

Key takeaways

Summary of Golytely vs. Suprep

Indications of Golytely vs. Suprep

Pros and Cons of Golytely vs. Suprep

Common Side Effects of Golytely vs. Suprep

Warnings of Golytely vs. Suprep

Prices with our coupons for Golytely vs. Suprep

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