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.