This article describes Sutab’s dosage and strength and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Sutab. To learn more about Sutab, talk with your doctor.
Sutab is a brand-name medication that comes as a tablet you swallow. It’s a combination of three ingredients: sodium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride. It isn’t available in a generic version. This article describes dosages of Sutab.
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Form and strength of Sutab
Sutab comes as follows:
- Form: oral tablet that you take by swallowing
- Strength: 1.479 grams (g) sodium sulfate, 0.225 g magnesium sulfate, and 0.188 g potassium chloride
Each prescription for Sutab includes two bottles of 12 tablets in each bottle and a 16-ounce cup for measuring water as directed.
Dosage of Sutab
This article describes the recommended dosages for Sutab. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your doses from those shown below.
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 Sutab without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosage of Sutab in adults
Sutab is prescribed in adults for cleansing the bowel before a colonoscopy. The recommended dosage instructions are as follows:
Dose 1 – On the night before the colonoscopy
- Open one of the bottles containing 12 tablets. Throw away the desiccant (drying agent) that’s in the bottle.
- Fill the water container with 16 ounces (oz) of water (up to the fill line).
- Swallow each tablet one at a time with sips of water. Take all 12 tablets and drink all the water in the container over 15 to 20 minutes. (If you become uncomfortable, drink the water a little slower.)
- About 1 hour after you finish drinking the water, refill the container up to the fill line and drink the full 16 oz of water over 30 minutes.
- About 30 minutes after finishing that water, refill the container again up to the fill line and drink the full 16 oz of water over 30 minutes.
Dose 2 – On the morning of the colonoscopy (5 to 8 hours before the colonoscopy, and no sooner than 4 hours from starting Dose 1)
- Open the second bottle of 12 tablets. Throw away the desiccant (drying agent) in the bottle.
- Fill the water container with 16 oz of water (up to the fill line).
- Swallow each tablet one at a time with sips of water. Take all 12 tablets and drink all the water in the container over 15 to 20 minutes. (If you become uncomfortable, drink the water a little slower.)
- About 1 hour after finishing the water, refill the container up to the fill line and drink the full 16 oz of water over 30 minutes.
- About 30 minutes after finishing the second container of water, refill the container again up to the fill line and drink the full 16 oz of water over 30 minutes.
Note: Finish taking all Sutab tablets and water as directed at least 2 hours before your colonoscopy.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Sutab and its dosage.
Does the second dose of Sutab work faster than the first dose?
No, the second dose of Sutab doesn’t work faster than the first dose. 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. Both doses should be taken in order to clean the bowel as much as possible.
If you have questions about how quickly Sutab works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How fast do I need to take my doses of Sutab?
How quickly you complete your doses of Sutab should be determined by when your colonoscopy is scheduled.
The first dose of Sutab should be taken the evening before your colonoscopy.
The second dose of Sutab should begin 5 to 8 hours before your colonoscopy, and at least 4 hours after you take the first dose. The second dose (and the prescribed amount of water afterward) should be completed at least 2 hours before your colonoscopy.
See the “Dosage of Sutab” section above for more information on how to take your doses of Sutab.
If you have more questions about your Sutab dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is Sutab prescribed long term?
No, doctors don’t typically prescribe Sutab as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use.
If you have questions about how long or how frequently you should take Sutab, talk with your doctor.
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