Colon cleansing compositions and methods

Abstract

A composition comprising, per litre of aqueous solution, from 30 to 350 g polyethylene glycol, from 3 to 20 g of an ascorbic acid component selected form the group consisting of ascorbic acid, a salt of ascorbic acid, or a mixture thereof, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulphate, preferably from 1 to 15 g thereof, and optionally one or more electrolytes selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium hydrogen carbonate, and preferably also comprising flavourings, is effective in cleansing the gut in preparation for a endoscopy, especially colonoscopy. It is safer than conventional sodium phosphate-based gut cleansing compositions, and hence can be used for patients who would be at risk with sodium phosphate-based compositions, and is better tolerated than conventional PEG-based compositions, leading to better patient compliance and enabling effective out-patient use.

Description

[0001] The present application claims priority to co-pending British application number GB 0224909.2, filed Oct. 25, 2002, the disclosure of which application is specifically incorporated herein by reference without disclaimer. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to orthostatic lavage solutions, colon evacuants or colon cleansing compositions, also known as lavage compositions for cleansing the gastrointestinal tract, and methods of use of such compositions. GENERAL BACKGROUND

[0003] Colon cleansing is important prior to numerous diagnostic and surgical procedures, for example before colonoscopy, barium enema examination or colon surgery. It is also useful for preventing infection after surgery on the lower intestine. Colon cleansing is also known as colon clearing.

[0004] A variety of methods for colon cleansing are known. Dietary manipulation, laxatives, cathartics and enemas were traditionally used (Thomas, G. et al., Gastroenterology, 1982, 82, 435-437). ...