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Osmotic Bowel Prep·Gastrointestinal - Laxatives
Bowel cleansing prior to clinical procedures (colonoscopy, barium enema, colonic surgery)
Max Dose
3-4 Litres
Onset
1-2 h
Volume
MASSIVE
Dehydration
HIGH RISK
Overview
Massive-volume PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) solution. Used strictly to completely blast the bowel clean prior to a colonoscopy or major bowel surgery.
Maximum Dose
Max 3-4 Litres drunk over a few hours.
Clinical Focus
Patients often fail the prep because drinking 4 Litres of salty, thick fluid causes severe nausea and vomiting. Clear liquids must be encouraged.
Bottom Line
Fortrans/PEG is a high-volume polyethylene glycol solution for bowel preparation before colonoscopy, but is poorly tolerated due to large volume and taste, and carries electrolyte disturbance risk.
Brand Names
Glycoprep, Fortrans, Colyte
Oral Routes
Massive sachets of powder (PEG + intense electrolytes) to be mixed into litres of water.
Prescribing & PBS
Often supplied directly by the endoscopy clinic. OTC available.
Primary
Bowel cleansing prior to clinical procedures (colonoscopy, barium enema, colonic surgery).
Clinical Place
The most effective, though least palatable, method for guaranteeing a perfectly clean colon for a gastroenterologist.