How Much Gatorade Is Needed for a Colonoscopy?

December 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, proper bowel preparation is the most critical factor for a successful and accurate colonoscopy. This preparation often involves mixing a powdered laxative, like MiraLAX, with a clear sports drink like Gatorade, but exactly how much Gatorade is needed for a colonoscopy can vary based on the specific protocol prescribed by a physician.

Quick Summary

Colonoscopy preparation typically requires mixing a laxative with 64 ounces of a clear, non-red, non-purple sports drink like Gatorade. This amount is usually split into two doses, consumed the evening before and the morning of the procedure. Specific instructions from your doctor are essential for accurate and effective prep.

Key Points

Standard Amount: For many protocols, 64 ounces of clear, light-colored Gatorade is mixed with a laxative powder for colonoscopy prep.
Split-Dose Regimen: The 64-ounce mixture is typically divided into two 32-ounce doses, one taken the evening before and the second on the morning of the procedure.
Choose Approved Colors: Stick to light colors like lemon-lime, yellow, or clear (e.g., Glacier Cherry) and avoid red, blue, or purple flavors to prevent discoloration of the colon.
Masking Flavor: Gatorade helps mask the taste of the laxative, improving tolerance, while its electrolytes aid in hydration during the prep.
Personalized Instructions: Always follow the specific, doctor-prescribed instructions, as the exact amount and timing of the prep can vary.

Standard Gatorade and MiraLAX Preparation

For many patients, the most common colonoscopy prep involves mixing MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol) with a 64-ounce sports drink. This method is generally considered easier to tolerate than older, more voluminous preps. The process is a 'split-dose' regimen, where the laxative-Gatorade mixture is consumed in two parts: one portion the evening before the procedure and the second portion on the morning of the procedure.

The Day Before the Procedure

On the day before the colonoscopy, after a patient has been on a clear liquid diet all day, they begin the first phase of the bowel prep. Typically, a full bottle of MiraLAX (238g) is mixed into a 64-ounce bottle of Gatorade. This solution is then split, with half (32 ounces) being consumed in the evening over a period of 1 to 2 hours. Some protocols also include taking laxative tablets, such as Dulcolax, before drinking the mixed solution.

The Day of the Procedure

Several hours before the scheduled colonoscopy time, the patient drinks the second half of the Gatorade-MiraLAX solution. This timing is critical and must be completed by the specific cut-off time instructed by the doctor, typically several hours before the procedure. Finishing the second dose correctly ensures that the colon is completely clear for the examination.

Why is Gatorade used instead of just water?

While water is a necessary part of the clear liquid diet, mixing the laxative with a sports drink like Gatorade offers several advantages.

Hydration: The electrolytes in Gatorade (sodium and potassium) help replenish those lost during the intense bowel-cleansing process, reducing the risk of dehydration. This is particularly important for patients undergoing major fluid loss.
Palatability: The flavor of Gatorade helps mask the often unpleasant taste of the laxative powder, making it significantly easier to drink the large volume of solution required.
Energy: The sugar in standard Gatorade can provide a small energy boost during a period when no solid food is consumed, helping to combat fatigue. For diabetic patients, sugar-free versions like G2 are recommended.

A Guide to Choosing the Right Gatorade Flavor

Not all Gatorade flavors are suitable for colonoscopy prep. Certain colors can leave a residue or stain the colon lining, which can be mistaken for blood and obscure the doctor's view.

Comparison Table: Approved vs. Unapproved Gatorade Flavors


Category	Approved Flavors	Unapproved Flavors
Color	Clear, Lemon-Lime, Yellow, Green	Red, Blue, Purple, Orange
Example Flavors	Glacier Cherry, Lemon-Lime, Fierce Green Apple, Orange Thirst Quencher	Fruit Punch, Grape, Blue Raspberry, Cool Blue, Citrus Cooler
Reason	These transparent or light colors will not interfere with the procedure.	The dyes in these drinks can stain the colon, affecting diagnostic accuracy.
For Diabetics	Sugar-free versions (G2) of approved colors are available.	All sugary versions of unapproved colors should be avoided.

Essential Tips for a Successful Colonoscopy Prep

Chill the Mixture: Many patients find the prep solution more palatable when it is served cold. Mix the Gatorade and laxative and place it in the refrigerator a few hours beforehand.
Use a Straw: Drinking through a straw can help the solution bypass most of your taste buds, making it easier to consume quickly.
Stay Near a Bathroom: The laxative solution will cause frequent, watery bowel movements. It's crucial to remain near a toilet for several hours after each dose.
Stay Hydrated with Other Clear Liquids: In addition to the Gatorade-laxative mix, continue to drink other clear liquids, such as broth, water, and apple juice, until the instructed cut-off time.
Consider a Split-Dose Prep: The split-dose method, where the prep is taken in two smaller amounts, is often better tolerated and leads to better cleansing than drinking the full amount at once.

Conclusion

In summary, the standard amount of Gatorade needed for a colonoscopy prep is 64 ounces, mixed with a prescription-strength laxative like MiraLAX. This is typically divided into a split dose, with half taken the evening before and the other half the morning of the procedure. Patients must choose clear or light-colored flavors and avoid red, blue, or purple dyes to ensure the best possible visualization for the endoscopist. While the prep can be daunting, following your doctor's specific instructions, staying hydrated, and focusing on the goal of preventing serious disease makes the process manageable. A clean colon is essential for a thorough and accurate examination, maximizing the benefits of this crucial screening tool.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider for your colonoscopy preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you must only use clear or light-colored Gatorade flavors such as lemon-lime, yellow, or Glacier Cherry. Avoid all red, blue, and purple flavors, as their dyes can interfere with the examination and potentially obscure the doctor's view.

It is very important to complete the entire preparation to ensure a thorough cleansing. If you experience nausea or feel like vomiting, your doctor might recommend taking a short break before continuing. Follow your doctor's specific advice if you are having difficulty finishing the prep.

Yes, sugar-free Gatorade (G2) in an approved color is recommended for patients with diabetes to control blood sugar levels during the prep. Non-diabetic patients can also use it.

The laxative effects usually begin within 30 minutes to 3 hours after starting to drink the solution, though this can vary by individual. Be sure to stay near a bathroom once you begin the prep.

Yes, it is crucial to stay hydrated by drinking additional clear liquids like water, clear broth, and apple juice throughout the clear liquid diet phase until your doctor's cut-off time. This helps prevent dehydration.

Mixing the laxative with Gatorade provides essential electrolytes to prevent dehydration and also improves the taste, making the large volume of liquid more palatable and easier to consume.

While some preps use a single day regimen, the split-dose approach with Gatorade is very common. Always consult your doctor's specific instructions, as they will outline the precise timing and quantity based on your appointment time.