Updated: January 11, 2026
What Is Suflave? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026
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Peter Daggett
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Overview
What is Suflave? Learn everything you need to know about this colonoscopy prep — how it works, how to take it, and what to expect.
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Based on 64 real pharmacy checks · 1 patients helped
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If you've been scheduled for a colonoscopy, your doctor may have prescribed Suflave as your bowel preparation. You might be wondering: what exactly is Suflave, how does it work, and what should I expect? Here's a complete patient guide.
What Is Suflave?
Suflave is a prescription-only colonoscopy bowel preparation approved by the FDA in June 2023. Its full generic name is: polyethylene glycol 3350, sodium sulfate, potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and sodium chloride for oral solution.
It is manufactured and marketed by Azurity Pharmaceuticals (through Braintree Laboratories) and comes as a powder that you mix with water to create a lemon-lime flavored drink — similar in taste to a sports drink. Suflave is available only as a brand-name product; there is currently no generic version.
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What Is Suflave Used For?
Suflave is FDA-approved for one specific use: cleansing the colon in preparation for a colonoscopy in adults. It is used for:
- Colorectal cancer screening and surveillance colonoscopies
- Diagnostic colonoscopies (investigating symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or rectal bleeding)
- Colonoscopy in patients with non-severe inflammatory bowel disease
Suflave is not approved for treatment of constipation, weight loss, or any other purpose. It is only for pre-colonoscopy bowel preparation.
How Does Suflave Work?
Suflave works through osmosis. The polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrolyte components draw water from your body into the colon, dramatically increasing the liquid content of the bowel. This causes rapid, watery diarrhea that flushes out stool and residue from the colon walls. The result is a clean, clear colon that allows the gastroenterologist to see the full lining during the procedure.
How Do You Take Suflave? (Dosage Instructions)
Suflave is given as a split-dose regimen over two days:
The day before your colonoscopy:
- Eat a low-residue breakfast (white bread, eggs, yogurt, etc. — no high-fiber foods)
- After breakfast, switch to clear liquids only (water, broth, clear juice, clear gelatin)
- In the evening: Pour the flavor packet into Bottle 1, fill with lukewarm water to the fill line, shake gently. For best taste, refrigerate for 1 hour before drinking
- Drink 8 oz of the solution every 15 minutes until Bottle 1 is empty
- Then drink an additional 16 oz (2 cups) of water
The morning of your colonoscopy:
- Start Dose 2 (Bottle 2) 5–8 hours before your procedure, but no sooner than 4 hours after starting Dose 1
- Repeat the same mixing and drinking process
- Stop all fluids at least 2 hours before your procedure
Important reminders: Don't eat red or purple-colored foods or drink alcohol. Take all oral medications at least 1 hour before starting each dose of Suflave. Do not add starch-based thickeners to the solution.
What Are the Contraindications for Suflave?
Do NOT take Suflave if you have:
- A blockage in your bowel (obstruction) or ileus
- A bowel perforation (hole in the intestine)
- Toxic colitis or toxic megacolon
- Gastric retention
- An allergy to any ingredient in Suflave
How Effective Is Suflave?
In two Phase 3 clinical trials with 929 adult patients, Suflave achieved a 93–94% colon cleansing success rate — clinically equivalent to or better than the SUPREP comparator. In palatability surveys, 79% of patients rated the taste neutral to very pleasant, and 87% found it easy to consume. Approximately 80% said they would request Suflave again for a future colonoscopy.
50K+Found
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The Bottom Line
Suflave is a well-tolerated, highly effective colonoscopy prep with a sports-drink flavor that makes it easier to complete than older preparations. Follow the dosing instructions carefully, stay hydrated, and reach out to your doctor with any concerns. If you have trouble finding Suflave at a pharmacy, medfinder can help locate it near you. Also see our guide on Suflave side effects for what to expect during prep.
Real-time availability
Is Suflave in stock near you?
Verified 5h ago
Based on 64 real pharmacy checks · 1 patients helped
Suflave is in a shortage right now — Medfinder calls pharmacies near you to track down the ones that have it.
As of July 21, 2026, 2:00 PM ET, Suflave is currently experiencing a shortage. Across 64 pharmacy checks Medfinder placed in the last 30 days, Suflave was confirmed in stock 2% of the time.
- Pharmacy checks
- 64
- FDA status
- Not listed
- Updated
- 5h ago
Suflave is not on the FDA's active shortage list. Medfinder's own pharmacy calls put real-time availability at 2% across 64 checks in the last 30 days. Availability varies by metro, with the most pharmacy activity recorded around Chicago, IL. These numbers are recomputed continuously from live pharmacy calls, so this page reflects current conditions rather than a static estimate.
Suflave availability questions
Is Suflave in stock right now?
As of July 21, 2026, 2:00 PM ET, Suflave was confirmed in stock at 2% of 64 pharmacies Medfinder checked in the last 30 days. Availability changes daily, so we re-check in real time when you search.
How does Medfinder help me find Suflave?
Medfinder calls pharmacies in your area to verify whether Suflave and your specific dose are in stock, then sends you the pharmacy name, address, and phone number.
Need Suflave? We'll find the pharmacy that has it.
Sources: FDA Drug Shortages + Medfinder pharmacy data · Methodology · Full Suflave data
Frequently Asked Questions
Both Suflave and GoLYTELY contain polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a primary ingredient, but they are different formulations. Suflave is a lower-volume prep (approximately 2 liters total with flavor enhancement), while GoLYTELY is a high-volume prep requiring 4 liters. Suflave also contains additional sulfate and electrolyte components. Both are FDA approved for colonoscopy prep.
You can eat a low-residue breakfast on the day before your colonoscopy. After that, switch to clear liquids only. Do not eat solid food on the morning of your procedure. Do not eat anything colored red or purple, and avoid dairy products and alcohol while taking Suflave.
It's important to complete both doses of Suflave for adequate bowel cleansing. If you cannot finish the full prep, contact your doctor. Your colonoscopy may need to be rescheduled if the prep is incomplete, as inadequate cleansing can lead to missed polyps or lesions. If nausea is preventing you from finishing, slow down your pace and take breaks.
Suflave typically begins working within 1–2 hours of starting the first dose. You should plan to stay close to a bathroom for several hours after beginning each dose. The second dose (morning of the colonoscopy) generally produces results more quickly since the bowel has already been partially cleared.
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