Use of tegaserod along with polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution for colonoscopy bowel preparation: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
BACKGROUND
Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (PEG-EL) used for colonoscopy preparation is not well tolerated by several patients. A significant number of patients have inadequate bowel preparation despite taking PEG-EL.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of prokinetic agent, tegaserod when given in addition to PEG-EL on patient tolerance, quality of colonic preparation and adverse side effects experienced.


METHODS
In this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, a total of 130 patients scheduled for colonoscopy were enrolled. They were instructed to take three pills of either tegaserod 6 mg each or placebo (one pill twice on the day prior to and third pill in the morning on the day of colonoscopy) in addition to standard 4L of PEG-EL in the evening prior to the day of colonoscopy. Patient tolerance of preparation, quality of bowel preparation, overall satisfaction and adverse side effects were compared between the two groups.


RESULTS
Fifty-five patients in placebo group and 58 patients in tegaserod group completed the study. There was no difference between the two groups in the tolerance of preparation, quality of bowel preparation, overall satisfaction and the side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Addition of tegaserod to polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution during colonoscopy preparation does not improve patient tolerance, quality of colonic preparation or the adverse side effects.
Division of Gastroenterology, MetroHealth Medical Center/CaseWestern Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA. msanaka@gmail.com
M R
MR
Sanaka
D M
DM
Super
K D
KD
Mullen
D R
DR
Ferguson
A J
AJ
McCullough
D003106:Colon; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012996:Solutions; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000009:adverse effects
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D007211:Indoles; D012996:Solutions; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C105050:tegaserod