Efficacy and safety of oral sodium phosphate versus polyethylene glycol solution for bowel preparation for colonoscopy.

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).

METHOD: A colonoscopist-blinded, prospective, randomized, observational clinical study.

PATIENTS: 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.

RESULT: 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.

CONCLUSION

Oral sodium phosphate is well tolerated, is safe and provides bowel cleansing similar to that with a polyethylene glycol solution.