Gastric CLEANsing by Intravenous AZithromycin in Urgent Endoscopy

The Efficiency and Safety of Intravenous Azithromycin in Preparation of Endoscopy for Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

This study will test the hypothesis that azythromycin is efficient and safe in cleansing the upper gastrointestinal tract for endoscopic examination in the case of acute bleeding.

In this study patients with upper GI bleeding will be randomzied to either i.v. azythromycin or placebo in order to evaluate the efficiency and safety of azythromycin for upper GI cleanliness during diagnostic endoscopy. A validated upper GI cleanliness score (Toronto score with values up to 10) and a visual analog scale will be used to evaluate cleanliness. Need for repeat endoscopy due to poor preparation, duration of hospitalization and requirement for blood transfusions during hospitalization will also be assessed as will any adverse events.

Inclusion Criteria:

• acute upper GI bleeding (<12 hours)

Exclusion Criteria:

• prokinetics <12 hours
• allergy to azithromycin
• use of contraindicated drugs (due to interactions)
• pregnancy
• physician option