Sorbitol
Description
Sorbitol has different uses based on the formulation of the medicine as well as the dosage form. It acts as a stool softener and may be used to prevent constipation. It is also useful as an irrigating fluid for the urinary bladder during certain surgical procedures (transurethral procedures). It may also be used as a sweetener in food, cough syrups, and sugar-free chewing gums. It is also used in cosmetics as a moisturizer and skin thickener.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Sorbitol
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Increased thirst
- Shortness of breath
- Weight gain
- Weakness
- Black or tarry stools
Uses of Sorbitol
What is it prescribed for?
- Constipation
- Bladder irrigation
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionWhen used as a stool softener, the effect of this medicine can be observed within 25 to 60 minutes. For other indications, the amount of time taken by this medicine to show its effects is subject to vary based on the formulation, strength of the medicine, and the form of administration.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains effective is subject to vary based on the formulation, strength of the medicine, and the form of administration.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?This medicine may be habit-forming in some patients, especially when used for constipation and for more than 1 week.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to sorbitol or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Anuria
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of anuria (a condition where the kidney is unable to produce urine).
Fructose intolerance
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from fructose intolerance, a disorder in which the absorption of fructose is impaired, due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
General warnings
Renal impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function is recommended for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Dehydration or electrolyte abnormalities
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from dehydration or electrolyte abnormalities due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Report any adverse effects such as dizziness, weakness, fainting, etc. to the doctor immediately. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Diabetes mellitus
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus since it may increase the sugar levels in the blood. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels is recommended for such patients. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction due to the increased risk of fluid overload. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Continuous use
This medicine is not recommended for use for more than 1 week, unless directed by your doctor, due to the increased risk of dependence.
Missed Dose
Oral forms: If a dose of this medicine is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Enema solution: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Irrigation solution: Since this medicine is administered by a qualified health care professional during or prior to a procedure, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Overdose
Oral form and enema solution: Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Irrigation solution: Since this medicine is administered in the hospital setting by a qualified health care professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Lamivudine
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral forms: Take this medicine exactly as instructed by the doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of any severe adverse effects. Ensure that the course of treatment is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Enema solution: Use this medicine exactly as advised by your doctor. Do not use/administer in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Irrigation solution: This medicine should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine works by making the stools soft and easy to pass. As an irrigation fluid, it provides a high degree of visibility for urologic procedures requiring endoscopy. When used as a cosmetic, it hydrates the skin and prevents moisture loss from the skin.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Laxatives, Other Irrigating Solutions
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Pillpack.com. 2018 [cited 3 August 2018]. Available from:
DailyMed - Sorbitol irrigant [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 3 August 2018]. Available from:
DailyMed - Sorbitol solution [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 3 August 2018]. Available from:
Sorbitol - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 3 August 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 7 Aug 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.