PEG Electrolyte Concentrate for Rapid Constipation Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current osmotic laxative treatments for constipation, such as those containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrolytes, face challenges including slow dissolution rates of dry powder formulations, which lead to inefficiencies in care-home and hospital settings and frustration for patients, and require large storage space due to bulky packaging.
Innovation Solution
A concentrated solution of PEG, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate, with added preservatives like methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, and benzyl alcohol, that can be diluted with water to provide a convenient and efficient medicament for constipation treatment, reducing storage volume and preparation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If dry powder formulations are used, then the treatment can be stored for long periods, but the dissolution rate is slow causing inefficiency and frustration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the PEG electrolyte composition from dry powder to concentrated liquid solution. This parameter change fundamentally alters the dissolution characteristic - the liquid form is already dissolved and ready for use, eliminating the slow dissolution problem entirely while maintaining stability through preservatives and controlled formulation.
2Quantity of substance
If sachets are used for unit treatment, then the dosage is precise and convenient, but the packaging is bulky requiring large storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sachets into a single concentrated liquid solution container. By providing a concentrate that can be divided into multiple doses, the invention reduces storage volume significantly while maintaining precise dosage capability through measuring devices included in the kit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses liquid hydraulic form (concentrated solution) instead of solid powder in sachets. This liquid form allows for more compact storage while enabling precise dosing through volume measurement, resolving the contradiction between convenient unit dosing and bulky packaging.
3Ease of operation
If patients manipulate sachets themselves, then self-administration is enabled, but difficulty in tearing open sachets causes frustration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the disposable sachet with a reusable container system. The container is designed to be opened once and then used multiple times by dispensing measured amounts, eliminating the need for patients to repeatedly tear open sachets while maintaining self-administration capability.
4Loss of time
If heating is applied to speed dissolution, then preparation time is reduced, but decomposition of bicarbonate occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the dissolution action in advance during manufacturing, creating a concentrated liquid solution where all components are already fully dissolved and stable. This preliminary action eliminates the need for patients to perform dissolution at home, preventing bicarbonate decomposition while ensuring complete dissolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/thermal dissolution process (heating and stirring at home) with a chemical formulation approach. The concentrate is formulated to remain stable without heating, and dissolution is achieved through controlled dilution with water rather than thermal energy input.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The concentrated solution allows for rapid preparation of the medicament, minimizes storage space, and effectively prevents microbial growth, ensuring a stable and efficient treatment for constipation, improving patient compliance and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
added preservatives like methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, and benzyl alcohol
Implementation Method 2
can be diluted with water to provide a convenient and efficient medicament
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a solution in water comprising the following components at the following concentrations: (a) N x (70 to 130) g/L polyethylene glycol (PEG) having an average molecular weight of 2500 to 4500; (b) N x (1.6 to 4.0) g/L sodium chloride; (c) N x (0.2 to 0.6) g/L potassium chloride; (d) N x (0.6 to 2.2) g/L sodium bicarbonate; (e) N x an amount of preservative; (f) optionally N x an amount of flavouring; and (g) optionally N x an amount of sweetener where N is in the range of 2 to 8. The solution is a concentrate for dilution. In use it is diluted N-fold with water to provide a solution for administration to a subject for the treatment of constipation or faecal impaction. Also provided are solutions, kits, unit doses and methods that comprise or use the solutions.