Candy Improves Bowel Preparation

Polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS), the active ingredient in many FDA-approved colonoscopy bowel preparations, is often considered to be the worst tasting of available prep options. In fact, about 15% of patients are unable to finish 4 liters of PEG-ELS. Nevertheless, recent meta-analyses suggest that 4-liter PEG-ELS given in split doses is still the most effective bowel preparation.

To test whether the use of menthol candy drops can improve the palatability of PEG-ELS preparations, investigators evaluated 100 patients who received 4 liters of PEG-ELS in split doses, half of whom also received a packet of 15 sugar-free, colorless, (Halls) menthol drops and were instructed to suck on the drops while drinking the PEG-ELS…