Randomized study comparing two regimens of oral sodium phosphates solution versus low-dose polyethylene glycol and bisacodyl.
OBJECTIVE
Low-volume bowel preparation regimens for colonoscopy are reported to improve patient acceptance and compliance. We sought to compare the bowel cleansing efficacy, tolerability, and acceptability of three low-volume regimens: an oral sodium phosphates solution 45/45 ml (NaP-45/45), a reduced-dose oral sodium phosphates solution 45/30 ml (NaP-45/30), and polyethylene glycol plus bisacodyl (PEG-2L).


RESULTS
A total of 121 patients were evaluated (mean age 55.2 +/- 8.9 years). Bowel cleansings rated as excellent and good were significantly different among the groups: NaP-45/45 = 98%, NaP-45/30 = 88%, and PEG-2L = 76% (P < 0.04). Side effects were not significantly different except for greater thirst in the NaP-45/45 group (P = 0.001) and increased vomiting in females using PEG-2L (two-tailed interaction, P < 0.10). Willingness to retake the preparation was higher among the sodium phosphates regimens (88, 95, and 73%, respectively; P = 0.019).


CONCLUSIONS
Better cleansing and willingness to retake the regimen was achieved with the oral sodium phosphates solutions than with polyethylene glycol plus bisacodyl.
Malik
Pramod
P
Gastroenterology Associates of Tidewater P.C., 112 Gainsborough Square, Suite 200, Chesapeake, VA 23320, USA. pramodmalik@hotmail.com
Balaban
David H
DH
Thompson
William O
WO
Galt
Deborah J B
DJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001726:Bisacodyl / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003113:Colonoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010710:Phosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011897:Random Allocation; D055815:Young Adult
D002400:Cathartics; D010710:Phosphates; D001726:Bisacodyl; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C018279:sodium phosphate