Efficacy and tolerability of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution with and without simethicone in the preparation of patients with inflammatory bowel disease for colonoscopy.

This placebo-controlled study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS), with and without simethicone, in the preparation of patients with inflammatory bowel disease for colonoscopy. PEG-ELS 4 L plus placebo, or PEG-ELS 4 L plus simethicone 120 mg. was administered according to a randomized double-blind protocol to 115 patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. The parameters assessed were: presence of bubbles, degree of haziness, degree of bowel cleansing and patient acceptance. In the 105 patients completing the study, the efficacy of colonic lavage was found to be essentially comparable for the two preparations, although the addition of simethicone showed a significant reduction in the formation of bubbles. Significantly better results were reported by patients treated with the drug combination regarding reduction of general malaise (P = 0.01) and sleep disturbance (P = 0.01). The PEG-ELS solution represents an effective bowel cleansing method which can also be used for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. The addition of simethicone to the traditional formulation is an acceptable development in terms of clinical efficacy and tolerability.