EFFECTS OF PEG-ELECTROLYTE (COLYTE) LAVAGE ON SERUM ACETAMINOPHEN CONCENTRATIONS - A MODEL FOR TREATMENT OF ACETAMINOPHEN OVERDOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whole gut lavage with polyet hylene glycol electrolyte solution (Colyte), as a potentially adjuncti ve measure in lowering serum acetaminophen levels. The effect of bowel lavage was evaluated on serial serum acetaminophen concentrations aft er 2-g and 4-g doses in 7 and 12 male patients, respectively. Mean pea k level of serum acetaminophen after 2 g (60 min after intake) was not significantly lowered by bowel lavage. After 4 g, peak acetaminophen serum levels were significantly lower after bowel lavage (65.4% of con trols, P < 0.001). Urinary concentrations of the mercapturic acid conj ugate of the toxic metabolite were also significantly reduced by lavag e (55% after 2 g and 45% after 4 g, P < 0.01). Activated charcoal give n orally after administration of 4 g of acetaminophen had no significa nt effect on peak serum levels and had no additive effect on lavage. T hese studies suggest that rapid, complete bowel lavage with a polyethy lene glycol electrolyte solution may be beneficial as an adjunct to th e treatment of the acetaminophen intoxication.