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Medically Approved

Clenpiq dosage: A detailed guide

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Form and strengthDosageFAQHow it’s takenCouponOverdoseAsk your doctor
Doctors prescribe Clenpiq for cleaning the bowel in preparation for a colonoscopy in adults and certain children. You take it by mouth twice as prescribed.
Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Scheffel, PharmD
Updated on

This article describes Clenpiq’s dosage and strength and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Clenpiq. To learn more about Clenpiq, talk with your doctor.

Clenpiq is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral solution. Clenpiq contains three different drugs: sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and anhydrous citric acid. It isn’t available in a generic version. This article describes dosages of Clenpiq.

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Form and strength of Clenpiq

Clenpiq comes as follows:

  • Form: oral solution, which you’ll take by swallowing
  • Strength: one bottle contains 10 milligrams (mg) of sodium picosulfate, 3.5 grams (g) of magnesium oxide, and 12 g of anhydrous citric acid in 175 milliliters (mL) of solution

Dosage of Clenpiq

This article describes the recommended dosage for Clenpiq. The drugmaker provides this dosage.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Clenpiq without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosage of Clenpiq in adults

Clenpiq is used in adults for cleaning the bowel before a colonoscopy.

  • Dose: One bottle (175 mL) the evening before your colonoscopy, followed by a second bottle (175 mL) about 5 hours before your colonoscopy
  • Frequency: two doses taken prior to your scheduled colonoscopy

Dosage of Clenpiq in children

Clenpiq is used in children ages 9 years and older for cleaning the bowel before a colonoscopy.

  • Dose: One bottle (175 mL) the evening before the colonoscopy, followed by a second bottle (175 mL) about 5 hours before the colonoscopy
  • Frequency: two doses taken prior to the scheduled colonoscopy

Missed dose of Clenpiq

If instructions are not followed, your colon may not be properly cleaned for your colonoscopy. This could affect the results of the test. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take any doses of Clenpiq. They may advise you to take the missed dose.

For tips on how to plan your doses of Clenpiq and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Clenpiq and its dosage.

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Does the second dose of Clenpiq work faster than the first dose?

No, the second dose of Clenpiq does not work faster than the first one. The first dose has already partially cleaned the bowel, so there is less for the second dose to clear out. This makes it feel like the second dose is working quicker.

If you have questions about how quickly Clenpiq works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How fast do I need to take my dose of Clenpiq?

How quickly you complete your doses of Clenpiq should be determined by when your colonoscopy is scheduled.

The first dose of Clenpiq should be taken the evening before your colonoscopy. Afterward, you should drink at least five 8-ounce glasses of clear liquids for at least 5 hours. The second dose of Clenpiq should be started at least 5 hours prior to your colonoscopy.

Once finished with the dose, you should drink at least four 8-ounce glasses of clear liquids up to 2 hours before your colonoscopy.

If you have questions about how quickly you should finish a dose of Clenpiq, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is Clenpiq taken long term?

No, doctors don’t typically prescribe Clenpiq as a long-term treatment. It’s typically used just to prepare for a colonoscopy.

If you have questions about how long you should take Clenpiq, talk with your doctor.

How Clenpiq is taken

You’ll swallow one dose of Clenpiq two times before your colonoscopy.

Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

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Overdose of Clenpiq

It’s important that you do not take more Clenpiq than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of Clenpiq overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do if you take too much Clenpiq

If you think you’ve taken too much Clenpiq, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for Clenpiq. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of Clenpiq without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Clenpiq exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • If I begin experiencing side effects, will you adjust my dosage of Clenpiq?
  • How soon will a dose of Clenpiq cause me to have a bowel movement?
  • Do I need to finish an entire bottle of Clenpiq to receive the recommended dosage?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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