The prep is the part of a colonoscopy most people dread, and the part that matters most. A clean colon lets your doctor see small polyps; a poor prep can mean a repeat procedure. The good news is there's more than one way to do it. Here's what the common options are like, so you can talk it through with the office that schedules your colonoscopy. They make the final choice based on your health.
The five common options
| Prep | What you take | Cost (Nov 2026) | Good fit for | Not for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Over-the-counter MiraLAX prep | A 306 g bottle of MiraLAX mixed into sports drink, half the evening before and half the morning of, plus bisacodyl tablets and simethicone | About $20–25 at a drugstore; no prescription, so insurance doesn't pay | Healthy adults at average risk who want the easiest-tasting, cheapest option | Kidney, heart or liver disease; age 75+ or frail; diuretics or some antidepressants; past poor prep; severe constipation, daily opioids or diabetes. Not FDA-approved as a colonoscopy prep |
| 2. Standard gallon prep (GoLYTELY and generics) | 4 liters of salty-tasting solution, half each night and morning | Covered by nearly every plan, including Medicare and Medicaid; about $12–15 with a discount card | Anyone with kidney, heart or liver disease; the safety default | The volume is the hard part, not safety |
| 3. Small-bottle sulfate prep (generic Suprep) | Two 6 oz bottles mixed with water, then extra water | Usually covered as a generic; about $34–83 with a discount card | Most healthy adults on private insurance | Kidney, heart or liver disease; low-salt diets |
| 4. Tablet prep (Sutab) | 12 tablets each night and morning, with plenty of water | Brand name; plans may need prior approval. Savings card: $50 with private insurance, $60 if paying cash. Can't be used with Medicare or Medicaid | People who can't drink a lot of liquid prep | Kidney, heart or liver disease; low-salt diets |
| 5. Sports-drink-flavor prep (Suflave) | A flavored solution in a bottle, half each night and morning | Brand name; may need prior approval. Savings card: $50 with private insurance, $60 cash; about $102 with GoodRx. Can't be used with Medicare or Medicaid | People who want option 1's easier taste in an FDA-approved prep | Kidney, heart or liver disease; low-salt diets |
Prices change often. Check your plan's drug list and a discount site like GoodRx before you fill it.
Tips that help any prep work
- Every option is split: half the evening before, half the morning of. That's the most effective way to take it.
- Chill it, drink it through a straw, and follow each dose with something clear you like.
- If you've had a poor prep before, or you're often constipated, tell the office. They may add a day of clear liquids or an extra laxative.
- If you take Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound or a similar medicine, tell the office. You may need clear liquids for the whole day before.
Next step: use the printable prep checklist to plan your days, and see prep tips that actually help.
Questions? Call (813) 400-0543 or send a message.
Board-certified gastroenterologist (ABIM). Published November 3, 2026.
General information only: the office doing your colonoscopy chooses your prep. This page is not medical advice. For a medical emergency, call 911.