1,2,3Department of General Surgery, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences, Junior Resident.
4,5Senior Resident, Department of General Surgery, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences.
6*Associate Professor, Department of General Surgery, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences.
7Professor, Department of General Surgery, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Medical Sciences.
Background/Aims: Adequate preparation is essential for optimal Colonoscopy outcomes. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)-based regimens are commonly used; however, inadequate Bowel cleansing remains frequent, often due to delayed colonic transit. Prucalopride, a selective 5-HT₄ receptor agonist, enhances colonic motility and may improve Bowel preparation when used as an adjunct. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of PEG combined with Prucalopride versus PEG alone.
Methods: This randomized prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in southern India between January 2025 and January 2026. A total of 134 patients scheduled for Colonoscopy were randomized into two groups: Group A received PEG alone and Group B received PEG + Prucalopride. Bowel preparation quality was assessed using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). The primary outcome was adequate Bowel preparation (BBPS ≥6). Secondary outcomes included Colonoscopy procedure time, Loop formation during Colonoscopy, and patient adherence.
Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. Intervention Group demonstrated significantly higher mean BBPS scores (7.16 ± 1.53 vs. 5.42 ± 1.24) and a higher rate of adequate Bowel preparation (88.1% vs. 68.7%; p = 0.011). Mean Colonoscopy procedure time was significantly shorter in Group B (29.46 ± 6.31 minutes vs. 51.76 ± 5.91 minutes; p < 0.001). Loop formation was observed in 32 patients (23.7%), with a higher incidence in the control group (72%) compared to the intervention group (28%). Patient adherence did not differ significantly between groups.
Conclusions: Adding Prucalopride to PEG significantly improves Bowel cleansing quality, reduces procedure time, and decreases Loop formation during Colonoscopy without compromising patient adherence.
Keywords: Colonoscopy; Polyethylene Glycol (PEG); Prucalopride; Boston Bowel Preparation Score
How to cite this article: Rejith, Balaji V, Karunanithi, Vinitha, Raj R, Ramprasath, Bhaskar. Efficacy of Prucalopride in Colonoscopy Given Along Polyethylene Glycol-Based Bowel Preparation Prior to Colonoscopy: A Prospective Randomized Trial in Southern India. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(10s): 435-439; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.10s.55.
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None