Your Colonoscopy Is Scheduled — But You Can't Find Sutab

You've been prescribed Sutab for your upcoming colonoscopy, but the pharmacy doesn't have it. Your procedure date is approaching, and you need a plan B. The good news? Several effective alternatives exist, and your doctor can switch your prescription quickly.

In this article, we'll explain what Sutab is, how it works, and walk you through the best alternatives so you can have an informed conversation with your doctor.

What Is Sutab?

Sutab is a prescription osmotic laxative used to cleanse the colon before a colonoscopy. It's made by Braintree Laboratories and contains three active ingredients: Sodium Sulfate, Magnesium Sulfate, and Potassium Chloride.

What sets Sutab apart from other bowel preps is its dosage form — it comes as tablets. Patients take 12 tablets the evening before the colonoscopy and 12 more the morning of the procedure, each time with plenty of water. This is a major advantage for patients who struggle with the taste or volume of liquid preps.

For a deeper dive into Sutab, visit our guide: What Is Sutab? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.

How Does Sutab Work?

Sutab works through osmosis. The sulfate salts in the tablets are poorly absorbed by the body. Instead, they stay in the intestines and draw water into the colon, producing watery stools that flush out the contents. This leaves the colon clean enough for a gastroenterologist to get a clear view during the colonoscopy.

The mechanism is similar to most other bowel preps — the main difference is how the medication is delivered (tablets vs. liquid).

For more on the science, read: How Does Sutab Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.

Alternatives to Sutab

If Sutab isn't available, here are the most commonly prescribed alternatives. All are FDA-approved for colonoscopy preparation in adults.

1. Suprep Bowel Prep Kit (Sodium Sulfate, Potassium Sulfate, and Magnesium Sulfate Oral Solution)

Suprep is one of the closest alternatives to Sutab. It uses a similar sulfate-based mechanism to draw water into the colon and cleanse it.

• Form: Liquid solution (two 6-ounce bottles)
• How to take: Dilute each bottle with water to 16 ounces. Drink the first dose the evening before and the second dose the morning of the colonoscopy, followed by additional water.
• Pros: Low volume compared to older preps. Sulfate-based like Sutab. Widely available.
• Cons: Has a salty, somewhat unpleasant taste. Still requires drinking liquid. Brand-name cost can be high ($150–$250 without insurance), but generic versions are available.
• Insurance: Generic versions are commonly covered by insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.

2. GoLYTELY / NuLYTELY (Polyethylene Glycol 3350 with Electrolytes)

GoLYTELY is one of the most widely used and longest-available bowel preps. NuLYTELY is a similar formulation with a milder taste.

• Form: Large-volume liquid solution (typically 4 liters)
• How to take: Mix powder with water. Drink the solution over several hours, usually split between the evening before and morning of the colonoscopy.
• Pros: Very well-studied. Widely available at virtually every pharmacy. Generic versions are inexpensive (often $15–$40). Almost always covered by insurance.
• Cons: Requires drinking a large volume of liquid (about 1 gallon). Many patients find the taste and volume difficult.
• Insurance: Generics are almost universally covered.

3. Clenpiq (Sodium Picosulfate, Magnesium Oxide, and Anhydrous Citric Acid)

Clenpiq is a low-volume, ready-to-drink liquid bowel prep with a cranberry flavor.

• Form: Two ready-to-drink 5.4-ounce bottles
• How to take: Drink the first bottle the evening before the colonoscopy, followed by five 8-ounce glasses of clear liquid. Repeat with the second bottle the morning of the procedure.
• Pros: Very low volume. Pre-mixed and ready to drink — no measuring or mixing. Many patients prefer the cranberry taste.
• Cons: Brand-name only, so it can be expensive ($150–$300 without coupons). May not be covered by all insurance plans.
• Insurance: Coverage varies. Prior authorization may be needed.

4. Suflave (PEG 3350, Sodium Sulfate, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, and Sodium Chloride)

Suflave is a newer bowel prep also made by Braintree Laboratories (the same company that makes Sutab). It's a low-volume liquid option with a flavor-enhancing packet.

• Form: Powder for oral solution (two bottles, each reconstituted with water)
• How to take: Mix each bottle with water. Drink the first dose the evening before and the second dose the morning of the colonoscopy, each followed by additional water.
• Pros: Low volume. Flavor packet included. Newer formulation designed for better tolerability.
• Cons: Still a liquid prep. Relatively new, so not all pharmacies stock it routinely.
• Insurance: Coverage varies as a newer brand-name product.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

The best alternative depends on your specific situation. Here are some factors to consider:

• If taste is your biggest concern: Clenpiq (cranberry flavor, very small volume) or Suflave (includes flavor enhancer)
• If cost is your biggest concern: Generic GoLYTELY/NuLYTELY ($15–$40 and almost always covered by insurance)
• If volume is your biggest concern: Clenpiq (just 5.4 oz per dose) or Suprep (6 oz per dose, plus water)
• If you want the closest match to Sutab: Suprep uses a similar sulfate-based mechanism

Talk to your doctor about which option is best for your medical history and preferences. Some preps may be better suited for patients with kidney problems, heart conditions, or electrolyte concerns.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to find Sutab is frustrating, but it doesn't have to delay your colonoscopy. Several effective alternatives are available, and your gastroenterologist can help you choose the right one quickly.

If you'd still prefer Sutab, try using Medfinder to search for pharmacies that have it in stock near you. And for more information on Sutab availability, check out our Sutab Shortage Update for 2026.

Remember: the most important thing is completing your colonoscopy. Colon cancer screening saves lives, and the prep — regardless of which one you use — is temporary.