How should I take Prepopik?

You should take the pre-colonoscopy laxative Prepopik (sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide and citric acid) exactly as directed by your doctor. This laxative is divided into two packets of powder. Each packet's powder must be dissolved in 5 ounces of water. After you drink each dose, you must continue to drink clear liquids to prevent dehydration. Do not drink milk or consume solid foods while taking this drug. Drink only clear liquids such as water or ginger ale.

You should take the two doses at least six hours apart. Prepopik is usually taken one of two ways: split-dosing or day-before.

For the split-dosing option of Prepopik, take your first dose the night before your colonoscopy and take the second dose the next morning, on the day of your procedure. The night before, dissolve one packet of Prepopik powder in 5 ounces of cold water and drink the solution completely. Then drink five 8-ounce glasses of clear liquids before you go to bed. In the morning (or five hours before your procedure), dissolve the second packet of Prepopik powder in 5 ounces of cold water and drink all of it. Then drink at least three 8-ounce glasses of clear liquids. You can continue drinking clear liquids up to two hours before your procedure.

For the day-before option of Prepopik, take both doses the day before your colonoscopy procedure, but at different times. In the afternoon or early evening, mix the first packet of Prepopik powder with 5 ounces of cold water and drink all of it. Follow that dose with five 8-ounce glasses of clear liquids. Then, at least six hours later, mix the second packet of Prepopik powder with 5 ounces of cold water and drink all of it. Follow this second dose with at least three 8-ounce glasses of clear liquids. You can drink clear liquids up until two hours before your colonoscopy procedure.