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Suprep vs. Miralax

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

Key takeaways

Suprep (sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate) and Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350) are both osmotic laxatives, but they are used for different purposes. Suprep is a prescription medication used to clean out your colon before a colonoscopy, while Miralax is an over-the-counter medication for occasional constipation. Suprep requires a two-dose regimen taken the night before and the morning of your procedure, whereas Miralax is typically taken once a day for up to a week. Miralax usually takes 1 to 3 days to work. Suprep can cause side effects like stomach discomfort and bloating, and it may not be suitable for people with kidney problems. On the other hand, Miralax is generally well-tolerated but can cause nausea, bloating, and gas. Suprep is not available over-the-counter, unlike Miralax, which you can buy without a prescription.

Suprep

 

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Polyethylene glycol

(Miralax)

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Summary for Suprep

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 for Suprep

Pros and Cons for Suprep

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 for Suprep

Adults:

  • Overall discomfort (54%)
  • Bloating (40%)
  • Stomach pain (36%)
  • Nausea (36%)
  • Vomiting (8%)

Children: (more than 10%)

  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Bloating
  • Vomiting

Warnings for Suprep

  • Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
  • Heart rhythm problems
  • Seizures
  • Kidney problems
  • Colon problems
  • Serious choking

Summary for Miralax

Over-the-counter

Polyethylene glycol (Miralax) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used for occasional constipation. It comes as a powder that you need to mix with a beverage and then drink. Typically, you take a dose of polyethylene glycol (Miralax) once a day, for up to a week. Most people will experience a bowl movement in 1 to 3 days. Some side effects that polyethylene glycol (Miralax) can cause include nausea, bloating, and passing gas.

Indications for Miralax

Pros and Cons for Miralax

Pros

  • Available OTC, so you don't need a prescription from your provider
  • Causes less cramping, bloating, gas, or feelings of "having to go right now" compared to other laxatives
  • A possible option during pregnancy, if provider says it's safe for you to take

Cons

  • Can take a few days before you have a bowel movement
  • Only for short-term relief of constipation
  • Might cause loose, watery stools

Common Side Effects for Miralax

Warnings for Miralax

  • Complete or partial blockage of intestines

Prices with our coupons for Suprep vs. Miralax

Price Card Drug Icon
Sodium/Potassium/Magnesium1 kit / 2 bottles of oral solution
$34.85$37.75
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Price Card Drug Icon
Polyethylene Glycol 3350 Non-Prescription1 bottle / 30 doses of 17g/dose
$20.53$26.12
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