Mechanism of action and toxicities of purgatives used for colonoscopy preparation.

Margaret Adamcewicz, Dilip Bearelly, Gail Porat, Frank K Friedenberg

Temple University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.

Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology 2011 Jan

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In developed countries, colonoscopy volume has increased dramatically over the past 15 years and is the principle method used to screen for colon cancer. Preparations used for colon cleaning have evolved over the past 30 years. Some preparations have been shown to be unsafe and are now used on a limited basis. There has been progress on limiting the volume required and on taste improvement. This review provides an account of preparations used from 1980 when PEG-based preparations became widely available, until the present day. The review highlights their mechanism of action and principle toxicities. The handling of solutes and solute-free fluid by the colon is also reviewed. The reader will gain a perspective on the factors considered in developing colonic purgatives and the rationale for choosing selected preparations based on patient factors such as age, co-morbidities and concomitant medications. Although generally safe and effective, colonic purgatives have both acute and permanent toxicities. The safest preparations utilize PEG combined with a balanced electrolyte solution. Limitations of this preparation center on the volume required and poor taste. Alternative formulations are now available; however, those using sodium phosphate have fallen out of favor due to a risk of renal toxicity.

Citation

Margaret Adamcewicz, Dilip Bearelly, Gail Porat, Frank K Friedenberg. Mechanism of action and toxicities of purgatives used for colonoscopy preparation. Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology. 2011 Jan;7(1):89-101