The Typical Timeline
After beginning the Miralax and Gatorade solution, individuals commonly experience the onset of diarrhea within one to two hours. This initial response can sometimes occur as quickly as 30 minutes, or in some cases, it may take up to four hours for bowel movements to start.
The active cleansing process typically lasts between eight to twelve hours. During this period, the goal is for the stool to transition from solid to a clear, watery consistency. By the end of the preparation, bowel movements should resemble clear urine, possibly with a light yellow or tea-like tint, and be free of any solid particles.
What to Expect During the Process
As the bowel preparation progresses, individuals will experience frequent and increasingly liquid bowel movements. These movements will evolve from solid to a clear, yellowish, or light-colored liquid, eventually becoming transparent and free of solid matter. Staying close to a toilet is necessary due to the sudden and urgent nature of these evacuations.
Common physical sensations during the preparation include mild abdominal cramping, bloating, and occasionally, nausea or chills. The continuous passage of stool can also lead to anal skin irritation or a flare-up of hemorrhoids. These sensations are generally temporary and subside once the colon is adequately cleansed.
If nausea or vomiting occurs, taking a brief break of 15 to 30 minutes from drinking the solution can be helpful. Rinsing the mouth or brushing teeth during this pause may also provide some relief. Many find that drinking the solution through a straw can make the process more tolerable, and walking around can sometimes alleviate feelings of nausea.
Ensuring a Successful Preparation
Accurately mixing the solution is important for an effective bowel preparation. An entire 238-gram bottle of Miralax powder is dissolved in 64 ounces of Gatorade or another clear, non-red, purple, or orange sports drink. Stirring or shaking the mixture until the powder is fully dissolved helps ensure its efficacy. Chilling the solution can improve its palatability.
Maintaining adequate hydration is necessary throughout the process. Drinking plenty of clear liquids, in addition to the Miralax and Gatorade solution, helps prevent dehydration and supports the laxative’s action. Sports drinks are beneficial as they assist in replacing electrolytes that are lost during the extensive bowel cleansing.
Dietary modifications are a significant part of preparation. The day before the procedure, only clear liquids should be consumed, and all solid foods must be avoided. For several days leading up to the preparation, it is recommended to avoid high-fiber foods, such as nuts, seeds, corn, and raw fruits or vegetables, to facilitate the cleansing process.
Contact a healthcare provider if concerns arise during the preparation. This includes situations where no bowel movements occur within three to four hours of starting the solution, or if the stool remains solid, muddy, or dark brown close to the scheduled procedure time. Contact a healthcare provider for severe discomfort, persistent nausea, or vomiting that prevents continued intake of the solution.