Bowel cleansing composition

Abstract

The invention provides compositions for rapid bowel cleansing comprising a water-soluble mixture of polyethylene glycol and sodium phosphate(s). The compositions are particularly useful for preparing the bowel prior to surgery or diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopies. The invention further comprises methods for cleansing the bowel using these compositions, and bowel cleansing kits comprising these compositions.

Description

[0001] The instant application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 194,251, filed Jul. 15, 2002.[0002] The invention relates to compositions for rapid bowel cleansing which are particularly useful for preparing the bowel prior to surgery or diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopies.[0003] 1. Field of the Invention[0004] Gastrointestinal agents for regulating bowel movement can conveniently be placed into two categories: laxatives and bowel cleansers. Laxatives are formulated for long-term use, with the intention of eliminating constipation and obtaining a regular bowel function. Many laxatives work by stimulating bowel motility (peristalsis) in various ways, as by distending the gut with bulking or osmotic agents, or by directly stimulating the bowel nerves or muscles with stimulant laxatives. Other laxatives function as stool softeners or lubricants. The various types of laxatives are often combined in attempts to maximize efficacy or to re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a dry bowel cleansing composition that can be dissolved in water or other liquid before use. The composition contains polyethylene glycol and sodium phosphate powders, which are dissolved in an aqueous carrier to improve patient compliance. The composition is effective in emergency situations, severe constipation, and bowel preparation for surgery or examination. The composition is safe, effective, and easy to use. The patent also provides video footage of patients using the composition. The invention provides a better alternative to traditional laxatives for bowel cleansing."

Problems solved by technology

While purgatives formulated for patient use as enemas are often prescribed before examinations, they are awkward to handle and are frequently not properly administered, so orally-administered preparations are generally preferred.

However, the orally-administered compositions for rapid bowel cleansing in common use also have disadvantages which discourage patient compliance.

This laxative, when formulated and used as a bowel cleanser, is associated with nausea, vomiting, and symptoms of electrolyte imbalance; the product also has an unpleasant taste.

As a result, patient compliance is difficult to obtain, particularly when the cleanser is supplemented with, for example, another saline agent such as a magnesium salt, or a bowel stimulant such as bisacodyl.

(Braintree Laboratories, Braintree, Mass.) have poor patient compliance.

They have an unpleasant taste, and the amount and frequency of fluid the patent is required to drink, typically 8 fluid ounces every ten minutes over several hours, frequently cause severe bloating and attendant nausea.

Further, although these purgatives normally include electrolytes to counterbalance electrolyte loss during treatment, symptoms of electrolyte imbalance are, notwithstanding, often experienced by the patient.

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