GoLYTELY vs Suprep

GoLYTELY vs Suprep – detailed comparison:

GoLYTELY

It is the brand name of a medication called polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution, which is indicated for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy.

This medication also contains sodium, potassium, and other minerals to replace electrolytes that are passed from the human body in the stool.

Mechanism of Action

It works by increasing the amount of water in the intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movements.

Uses

This medication is used to clean the bowel before a barium x-ray (a radiographic examination of the gastrointestinal tract), colonoscopy, or other intestinal procedures.

Dosage

Drink 240mL orally every 10 mins or 20–30mL/min by NG tube until the rectal effluent is clear or 1 gallon consumed.

Note – do not take this medication if it has been less than 1 hour since you last ate solid food.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects may include:

  • mild nausea;
  • bloating;
  • passing gas;
  • mild stomach cramps;
  • dizziness;
  • thirst;
  • hunger;
  • rectal pain or irritation.

Rare side effects may include:

  • bright red bowel movements;
  • severe stomach pain or bloating;
  • vomiting;
  • choking;
  • rectal bleeding;
  • gagging;
  • severe diarrhea;
  • no bowel movement within 2 hours after use;
  • little or no urinating;
  • sudden or severe stomach pain;
  • headache;
  • trouble drinking liquids;
  • fever (high temperature).

Contraindications

Before taking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution, tell your healthcare provider if you have:

  • toxic megacolon;
  • a perforated bowel;
  • severe constipation;
  • a bowel obstruction.

Alcohol

Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution since alcohol use can substantially increase the risk of severe side effects.

Drug Interactions

It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:

  • trazodone;
  • albuterol;
  • tramadol;
  • amitriptyline;
  • ibuprofen;
  • Aspirin Low Strength;
  • hydrochlorothiazide.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

It is not known whether polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing infant. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding a baby.

It is not known whether polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution will harm a developing fetus. Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant while using this medication.

Suprep Bowel Prep Kit

It is the brand name of a combination of sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate.

Mechanism of Action

It works by increasing the amount of water in the intestines and helps the bowels to move more quickly.

Uses

This combination medicine is used in adults to clean the bowel before a colonoscopy.

Dosage

Drink 16 oz x1 dose, then drink 32 oz water over 1 hour evening before the colonoscopy. Repeat the regimen at least 1 hour before the colonoscopy.

Notes – this medicine must be mixed with water before you take it. Do not give this medication to anyone under 5 years old without medical advice.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects may include:

  • swelling of the stomach area;
  • bloated feeling;
  • a pressure in the stomach.

Rare side effects may include:

  • bloody stools;
  • dizziness;
  • decreased urination;
  • fainting;
  • convulsions;
  • irregular heartbeat;
  • fainting;
  • stomach pain and tenderness;
  • rapid breathing;
  • confusion;
  • sunken eyes;
  • dry mouth;
  • vomiting;
  • increase in heart rate;
  • wrinkled skin;
  • lightheadedness;
  • unusual tiredness or weakness;
  • nausea;
  • thirst;
  • rectal bleeding.

Contraindications

Before taking sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate, tell your healthcare provider if you have:

  • colitis or toxic megacolon;
  • blockage in your digestive tract;
  • a perforated bowel;
  • slow digestion.

Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate since alcohol use can substantially increase the risk of severe side effects.

Drug Interactions

It may negatively interact with other medications, especially:

  • Pristiq (desvenlafaxine);
  • aspirin;
  • trazodone;
  • Bupropion;
  • Norco (acetaminophen/hydrocodone);
  • hydroxyzine;
  • Linzess (linaclotide).

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

It is not known whether sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate will harm a developing fetus. Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate pass into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing infant. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Bottom Line – GoLYTELY vs Suprep Bowel Prep Kit

GoLYTELY (active ingredient – polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution) is a medication that is used to clean the bowel before a barium x-ray, colonoscopy, or other intestinal procedures. It works by increasing the amount of water in the intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movements.

Suprep Bowel Prep Kit (active ingredients – sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and magnesium sulfate) is a combination medicine that is used to clean the bowel before a colonoscopy. It works by increasing the amount of water in the intestines and helps the bowels to move more quickly.

Regarding their price, the average retail price for 1 bottle of GoLYTELY 4 liter powder is $21, while the average retail price for 1 kit (2 bottles) of Suprep Bowel Prep oral solution is $102.

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21083586
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04493.x
https://www.nature.com/articles/ajg2012115

3 thoughts on “GoLYTELY vs Suprep”

  1. Used both NuLYTELY and Suprep. NuLYTELY caused me no nausea and no pain. All went very well. Suprep caused severe burning sensation in my stomach and hours of vomiting–total failure. A sensitive stomach cannot take Suprep. I knew it was too strong as soon as I drank it. 14 hours of burning stomach. Called on-call doctor late at night. Finally took a bunch of antacid to put out the fire my stomach. Did not take second dose. It’s up to the gastro doctor to prescribe the right thing. Gentle or I’m out of here, Doc.

    Reply
    • I have a colonoscopy appointment next month for which I’ve been prescribed Suprep. I’ve had them in the past using Nulytely with no issues. Reviews I’ve seen for Suprep have been overwhelmingly negative. So why do ALL gastroenterologists in my area want to use a product that is no more effective than the other one but costs FIVE TIMES as much, even factoring in discounts (~$22 vs. ~$108)? Could it be possible that the doctors have a vested interest? Nah. Couldn’t be.

      Reply
      • Steven stone,

        While your concern regarding the doctor prescribing a more expensive medication because it might be beneficial to him is definitely possible I do have to disagree with your saying that these two medications are not different. My mom was prescribed both of these on two separate occasions and the suprep worked wonders and the nulytely did absolutely nothing she had to cancel her procedure twice because it did not clean her out and they couldn’t see anything. So while it may work the same for some people there definitely is a difference in these medications for certain people

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