Miralax (PEG 3350) vs. Golytely as Bowel Preparation for Screening Colonoscopy
Completed
Temple University
Phase 4
2010-04-01
A major limitation to the widespread acceptance of colonoscopy as a procedure to screen for
colorectal cancer is the laxative preparation. Phosphate-based preps (e.g. Fleets
Phosphosoda) are now used on a limited basis because of their known association with renal
injury. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) mixed with a balanced electrolyte solution (e.g. Golytely)
has been used for over two decades for colon cleansing. The mixture is not very palatable due
to the electrolyte additives which include sodium sulfate.
To overcome the limitation of existing preps, gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons
worldwide have been using PEG powder alone (same quantity as found in Golytely prep) not
mixed with electrolytes (Glycolax or Miralax) and dissolving this into 64 ounces of Gatorade.
Conservatively, we estimate that 25% of colonoscopies in the US are being done with this
prep. Anecdotally there have been reports (case series) that it is far more palatable and the
prep is equally efficacious. The active ingredient, PEG, is not changed and therefore this is
not surprising. The issue at present is that there has never been a blinded study to confirm
these claims.
This study will compare the efficacy of the two preps. There is no funding. The investigators
will charge insurance companies for the prep - this is our current practice. The procedures
will be done on healthy individuals referred for colon cancer screening and the exam will be
billed to their insurance. There will be no patient honorarium. The investigators will check
electrolytes to be sure patients do not develop hypokalemia with the Gatorade prep.
Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors.
Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data.
The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free.
thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user.
Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.
Alerts Available With Subscription
Alerts are available for users with active subscriptions.
