A novel tableted purgative for colonoscopic preparation: efficacy and safety comparisons with Colyte and Fleet Phospho-Soda.
BACKGROUND
Currently available aqueous purgatives used before colonoscopy are poorly tolerated. We designed a tableted sodium phosphate purge that we believe will yield much greater patient acceptance.


METHODS
A total of 305 outpatients undergoing routine diagnostic colonoscopy were randomized to one of three preparation groups: Colyte (100 patients), Fleet Phospho-Soda (106 patients), or sodium phosphate tablets (99 patients). Endoscopists were blinded to the type of preparation administered and answered a questionnaire regarding preparation quality. Patients answered a questionnaire designed to analyze tolerability. Adverse events were closely followed and recorded.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in quality of preparation across the groups (80% excellent or good, 4% repreparation). Although hypocalcemia (4 of 71), hypokalemia (18 of 68), and hyperphosphatemia (39 of 69) were observed in patients receiving the tablets, no adverse events occurred. Patients preferred taking the tablets over Colyte and Fleet Phospho-Soda.


CONCLUSIONS
The evaluation of a novel delivery system of a sodium phosphate purge is described. Intended for use before colonoscopy, it circumvents the poor taste and excessive volume of ingestion that are aversive to patients. The tableted purgative is equally effective, safe, and greatly preferred over the existing aqueous preparations. This may improve patient compliance with recommendations for screening colonoscopy.
Aronchick
C A
CA
Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
Lipshutz
W H
WH
Wright
S H
SH
Dufrayne
F
F
Bergman
G
G
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010710:Phosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013607:Tablets
D002400:Cathartics; D004573:Electrolytes; C033608:Golytely; D010710:Phosphates; D013607:Tablets; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C018279:sodium phosphate