Sports drink-like preparation for colonoscopy as good as OSS, but tastes better

A novel sports drink-like flavoured bowel preparation attains a high level of cleansing among adults undergoing colonoscopy, indicating its noninferiority to oral sulfate solution (OSS), according to a study.

The new flavoured polyethylene glycol and sulfate solution (FPSS) is also well-tolerated and has low rates of expected gastrointestinal symptoms. In addition, the improved flavour of FPSS has received better acceptance ratings among participants.

The rate of cleansing success was high, showing noninferiority to OSS (94 percent vs 94 percent). Segmental success rates were >90 percent for the two preparations, including the right colon.

Notably, questionnaire ratings suggested that the FPSS was preferred over OSS, with 87 percent of FPSS users noting their preparation was “tolerable” to “very easy” to drink compared with 74 percent for OSS. In addition, most of those who received FPSS agreed that their preparation tasted like a sports drink.

The most common adverse events (AEs) were gastrointestinal symptoms, but no between-group differences were noted for any AE and no clinically significant differences were seen in laboratory parameters.

This multicentre, noninferiority study included 500 adults, who were assigned to received FPSS or OSS in split-dose regimens (PM/AM). Participants in the FPSS group consumed 2 L of the flavoured osmotic solution (1 L at night and 1 L in the morning). Those on OSS took it according to its approved labeling.

Blinded researchers then graded colonoscopies globally and segmentally using a 4-point scale (ie, excellent, good, fair, and poor), with “good” and “excellent” deemed successful. They also assessed safety by AEs and laboratory testing.

“A new bowel preparation for colonoscopy has been developed containing poorly absorbed sulfate salts and polyethylene glycol 3350, which retain water within the intestinal lumen resulting in copious diarrhea, thereby cleansing the bowel,” the researchers said. “The product was formulated to be safe and effective with a sports drink-like flavour.”