The field of colonic diagnostic and surgical procedures in hampered by the lack of optimal means available to cleanse the colon. A compromise between convenient, distasteful, solid or low volume, hyperosmotic solutions which cause considerable fluid and electrolyte imbalances in patients and large volume, difficult to consume, iso-osmotic solutions has had to be made heretofore. This invention describes a low volume, hyperosmotic solution consisting of sulfate salts with and with out polyethylene glycol. Unlike prior art, this composition is useful for the cleansing of the bowel and, in lower volumes, as a laxative, without producing clinically significant changes in bodily function.
