Suprep vs. Golytely for Constipation: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Suprep (sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate) and PEG 3350 with electrolytes (Golytely, Nulytely, Moviprep, Plenvu, Gavilyte) are both colonoscopy prep kits used to clean out your colon before a colonoscopy. Suprep is a two-dose regimen taken the night before and the morning of your procedure, while PEG 3350 with electrolytes can vary in dosing schedules depending on the brand, with some requiring a single dose and others needing two doses. Suprep is generally less likely to cause side effects compared to PEG 3350 with electrolytes, but it might not be suitable for people with kidney problems. On the other hand, PEG 3350 with electrolytes requires you to drink a larger volume of liquid, which can be time-consuming and may cause nausea or bloating. Both medications can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, so it's important to stay hydrated. Suprep is only for those 12 and older, while some PEG 3350 with electrolytes solutions can be used in children as young as 6 months.

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

Colon cleansing before a colonoscopy

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 Golytely

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.

Indications for Golytely

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)

Pros and Cons for Golytely

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

Common Side Effects for Golytely

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)

Warnings for Golytely

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