Sutab is a prescription medication formulated as an oral tablet designed for bowel cleansing prior to a colonoscopy or other similar endoscopic procedures. It contains a combination of three sulfate salts—sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium sulfate—which function as osmotic laxatives. These salts draw a large volume of water into the colon, creating watery stools necessary to flush solid waste and ensure a clear view during the procedure.
The Expected Onset of Action
The time it takes for Sutab to initiate the first bowel movement can vary significantly between individuals. Most people who take the first dose will begin to experience the effects of the medication within one to four hours. This initial response marks the beginning of the cleansing process, characterized by frequent and loose bowel movements. For individuals with a history of constipation, the onset of action may take longer, sometimes up to five or six hours after ingesting the first tablets. Patients are strongly advised to remain close to a bathroom immediately after starting the first dose.
The Full Preparation Timeline
The Sutab regimen is structured as a split-dose schedule, requiring both doses to be completed for a successful preparation. The first dose, consisting of 12 tablets, is typically taken the evening before the scheduled procedure, usually around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. These 12 tablets must be swallowed with 16 ounces of water over a period of 15 to 20 minutes, followed by an additional two 16-ounce containers of water consumed over the next 90 minutes. The second dose is taken the morning of the procedure, usually five to eight hours before the scheduled colonoscopy time, repeating the exact same process. The timing of this second dose is important because the colon must be actively cleansed in the hours just before the procedure for the best visualization. The entire course of tablets and the required water intake for the second dose must be fully completed at least two hours before the colonoscopy is set to begin.
Indicators of Successful Bowel Cleansing
The goal of the entire Sutab timeline is to reach a visual endpoint that indicates the colon is clear enough for the procedure. A successful preparation is confirmed when the material being passed is entirely liquid and transparent, with no solid particles or flecks present. This discharge is often described as being clear, watery, or having a light yellow or tea-colored tint. The key is the absence of any opaque or solid matter. If the output remains thick, cloudy, or contains solid stool close to the end of the preparation, the colon is not yet fully clean. In this situation, the patient should continue to consume clear liquids up to the point where all oral intake must cease, which is typically two to three hours before the procedure. Achieving this clear output is directly correlated with the physician’s ability to detect polyps or other abnormalities.