Comparing lactulose and polyethylene glycol for bowel preparation before colonoscopy

Bowel Preparation in Colonoscopy: Lactulose Vs Polyethyleneglycol, Randomized Double-blind Comparative Clinical Trial, Multicenter Study.

PHASE4 · Hospital Civil de Guadalajara · NCT06666556

This study is testing whether lactulose or polyethylene glycol works better for cleaning out the bowels before a colonoscopy to see which one makes the process easier and more satisfying for patients.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 79 Years
SexAll
SponsorHospital Civil de Guadalajara (other)
Locations3 sites (Guadalajara, Jalisco and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06666556 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness and patient satisfaction of lactulose versus polyethylene glycol as bowel preparation agents for colonoscopy. It involves a randomized, double-blind methodology across multiple centers, focusing on how well each agent cleanses the bowel to enhance the quality of the colonoscopy procedure. The study will assess factors such as the efficiency of bowel cleansing, patient tolerance, and overall satisfaction with the preparation process. By determining which agent provides better outcomes, the trial seeks to improve the colonoscopy experience for patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-79 who are scheduled for a colonoscopy and can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 or over 80 years old, those with a history of colorectal cancer, or individuals with severe medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved bowel preparation methods, enhancing the quality of colonoscopy and patient satisfaction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with different bowel preparation agents, but this specific comparison of lactulose and polyethylene glycol is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients with indication for colonoscopy in our coloproctology service
* Both women and men
* Patients within an age range of 18-79 years
* Patients who agree having a colonoscopy and who sign the informed consent to participate in the protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients under 18 or over 80 years old
* All patients that won´t like to participate in the protocol or won´t sign the informed consent
* Pregnant women
* Patients with a medical record of colonic resection, ostomy status, severe cardiopulmonary and renal diseases, major psychiatric disorders, therapeutic colonoscopy or any contraindications for colonoscopy
* Non compliance with the colonic preparation regimen
* Active bleeding during the procedure
* Patients with a known diagnosis of colorectal cancer

Where this trial is running

Guadalajara, Jalisco and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Colorectal Cancer Screening, colorectal, colorectal cancer, colorectal cancer screening, colonoscopy, polyethylenglycol, lactulose

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.