Magnesium citrate with a single dose of sodium phosphate for colonoscopy bowel preparation

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of magnesium citrate and a single dose of oral sodium phosphate(45 mL) solution for morning colonoscopy bowel preparation. METHODS:A total of 159 patients were randomly assigned to receive two split doses of 90 mg of sodium phosphate(GroupⅠ,n=79) or magnesium citrate(250 mL,the day before the procedure) followed by 45 mL of sodium phosphate(the day of procedure,GroupⅡ,n= 80) .The quality of bowel cleansing and the acceptability of each regimen were compared,including the satisfaction,taste,willing to repeat and adverse effects of each regimen. RESULTS:The quality of bowel cleansing of GroupⅡ was as good as that of GroupⅠ(An Aronchick scale score of good or excellent:70.9%vs 81.0%,respectively,P=0.34;the Ottawa system score:4.4±2.6 vs 3.8 ±3.0,respectively,P=0.76) .There was no statisticallysignificant difference between both groups with regard to acceptability,including the satisfaction,taste and willingness to repeat the regimen.A significantly greater number of older patients(over 65 years old) in Group Ⅱgraded the overall satisfaction as satisfactory(48.1% vs 78.1%,respectively;GroupⅠvs GroupⅡ,P=0.01) . There were no significant adverse reactions. CONCLUSION:Magnesium citrate and a single dose of sodium phosphate was as effective and tolerable as the conventional sodium phosphate regimen and is a satisfactory option.