The FDA has approved a new cleansing regimen (a combination of sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and citric acid marketed as Prepopik) for colonoscopy preparation in adults.

Each dose consists of two packets of powder that should be dissolved in water and taken before undergoing colonoscopy (total volume, 10 oz), either the night before and morning of the procedure, or in the afternoon and evening before.

In randomized studies with 1200 adults, Prepopik was as effective as the control (polyethylene glycol plus bisacodyl) when taken the evening before/morning of colonoscopy. Common side effects included headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Journal Watch Gastroenterology editor-in-chief M. Brian Fennerty says: “We have seen lots of new bowel preps that are all touted to be the ‘real thing.’ What we look forward to are comparative studies of this prep against the gold-standard (split-dose polyethylene glycol solutions) — most importantly looking at bowel cleansing, but also tolerability and ease of patient use.”

Source: FDA news