polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution + bisacodyl

This combination bowel preparation regimen consists of polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) and bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative. It was specifically evaluated by researchers at the University of Oklahoma in a randomized controlled trial (NCT01141374) to determine if adding bisacodyl to a split-dose PEG-ELS regimen would improve bowel cleansing quality in diabetic patients undergoing colonoscopy. PEG-ELS functions as an osmotic laxative, utilizing a non-absorbable solution to induce liquid stools and cleanse the colon without causing significant fluid or electrolyte shifts. Bisacodyl acts directly on the colonic mucosa to stimulate peristalsis. The specific protocol studied involved 10 mg of oral bisacodyl followed by 4 liters of PEG-ELS administered in a split-dose format. Although intended to enhance preparation in a difficult-to-cleanse population, the study found no statistically significant improvement with the addition of bisacodyl compared to split-dose PEG-ELS alone.

Brand names

GoLYTELYDulcolax

Other names

polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution + bisacodyl-University of Oklahoma-bowel cleansingPEG-ELS + bisacodylsplit-dose PEG-ELS plus bisacodyl