Ready-to-use PEG laxative solution for constipation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PEG-based laxatives require users to mix a dry powder with water, making them inconvenient, especially for the elderly, and increasing the risk of incomplete dissolution and reduced efficacy due to the need for drinkable water and complex preparation instructions.
Innovation Solution
A ready-to-use aqueous solution containing PEG, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and optional preservatives, sweeteners, and flavorings, eliminating the need for mixing with water and providing a convenient, shelf-stable, and palatable treatment for constipation and faecal impaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dry powder PEG-based laxative is provided in sachet form requiring mixing with water, then the product can be stored shelf-stably and dosed accurately, but the preparation process becomes complex and inconvenient for elderly or frail patients
Solution Approach 1:
The PEG-based laxative is pre-dissolved in water during manufacturing to create a ready-to-use liquid solution. This preliminary action eliminates the need for patients to perform the dissolution step themselves, removing complex preparation instructions and making the product immediately usable upon opening the sachet.
Solution Approach 2:
The product is formulated as a self-contained liquid solution that requires no additional water or preparation materials. The sachet contains the complete dose in liquid form, allowing patients to simply open and consume without needing to measure, mix, or add water, thereby serving themselves without external aids.
2Reliability
If dry powder PEG-based laxative is provided requiring dissolution by the patient, then the product maintains stability during storage, but dissolution may be incomplete leading to reduced treatment efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The complete dissolution of PEG in water is performed during manufacturing under controlled conditions, ensuring full dissolution before the product reaches the patient. This preliminary action guarantees that the liquid solution contains the complete active ingredient without undissolved particles, ensuring reliable treatment efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process acts as an intermediary that performs the dissolution step professionally, transferring the fully dissolved PEG solution into stable, single-dose sachets. This intermediary action ensures proper dissolution without requiring the patient to perform the task, eliminating the risk of incomplete dissolution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PEG-based laxative is provided as dry powder to be mixed with water, then the product can be stored without refrigeration, but patients require access to drinkable water for preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The sachet contains the complete liquid dose with water already incorporated during manufacturing. Patients simply open the sachet and consume the pre-mixed liquid solution, eliminating the need to access external water sources or perform mixing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Water is added to the PEG formulation during manufacturing to create the final liquid solution, which is then filled into sachets. This preliminary action of adding water removes the requirement for patients to have access to drinkable water at the point of use.
4Stability of the object's composition
If PEG powder dissolution is allowed to proceed naturally without heating, then the bicarbonate component remains stable, but the dissolution process takes considerable time causing treatment delays
Solution Approach 1:
The dissolution of PEG and stabilization of bicarbonate is completed during manufacturing under controlled conditions. The liquid solution is prepared, mixed thoroughly, and then filled into sachets before the patient receives the product. This preliminary action eliminates the dissolution time from the patient's experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual dissolution process that patients would otherwise perform is replaced by industrial mixing equipment during manufacturing. This mechanical substitution ensures rapid, complete dissolution and homogeneous mixing under controlled conditions, then the stable liquid solution is packaged for immediate use.
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 solution offers a convenient, effective, and easy-to-administer treatment for constipation and faecal impaction, reducing preparation errors and improving patient compliance, particularly for frail populations by eliminating the need for water and simplifying the administration process.
Implementation Method 1
Osmotic laxatives act to retain water in the colonic lumen, thereby counteracting the normal dehydrating action of the colon
Implementation Method 2
It is important with a solution of the MOVICOL type that the patient does not to attempt to speed the dissolution by heating as that will lead to decomposition of the bicarbonate component
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns aqueous solutions comprising polyethylene glycol for use as a medicament, particularly in the treatment of constipation and faecal impaction. The solutions may be preserved to suppress the growth of microbial organisms. Kits comprising a preserved aqueous solution and a separate tablet or capsule comprising electrolytes are also provided.