title: Efficacy and safety of oral sodium phosphate versus polyethylene glycol solution for bowel preparation for colonoscopy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the acceptability, safety and effectiveness of an oral sodium phosphate solution (Exelyte) for colon preparation prior to colonoscopy, compared with a polyethylene glycol solution (Peglec).
  
  
  METHODS
  A colonoscopist-blinded, prospective, randomized, observational clinical study.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred patients undergoing colonoscopy for various indications were randomized (n = 50 each) to receive either 90 mL of oral sodium phosphate mixed with 300 mL clear liquid and then consume about 4-5 glasses of water, or 2 liters of polyethylene glycol solution.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sodium phosphate showed a safety profile similar to that of polyethylene glycol. However, patients tolerated it better. The colonoscopist reported similar cleansing of bowel in both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oral sodium phosphate is well tolerated, is safe and provides bowel cleansing similar to that with a polyethylene glycol solution.
authors.affiliation: Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, 6-3-652 Somajiguda, Hyderabad 500 082. nage@sify.com
authors.forename: D Nageshwar
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.forename: G V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: P V J
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Sriram
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003113:Colonoscopy; D004733:Enema / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010710:Phosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D010710:Phosphates; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C018279:sodium phosphate