Drug Detail:Sorbitol (Sorbitol [ sor-bi-tal ])
Generic Name: Sorbitol Solution [ SOR-bi-tole ]
Drug Class: Laxatives
Uses of Sorbitol Solution:
- It is used to treat constipation.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Sorbitol Solution?
- If you have an allergy to sorbitol or any other part of sorbitol solution.
- If you are allergic to sorbitol solution; any part of sorbitol solution; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Bowel block, belly pain, upset stomach, rectal bleeding, throwing up, or change in bowel habits lasting longer than 2 weeks.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with sorbitol solution.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take sorbitol solution with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Sorbitol Solution?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take sorbitol solution. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Do not use sorbitol solution for more than 1 week unless told to do so by your doctor.
- Do not use other laxatives or stool softeners unless told to do so by the doctor.
- If you have rectal bleeding or you do not have a bowel movement after using sorbitol solution, talk with your doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using sorbitol solution while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
Related/similar drugs
MiraLAX, Colace, docusate, bisacodyl, senna, polyethylene glycol 3350How is this medicine (Sorbitol Solution) best taken?
Use sorbitol solution as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All products:
- Follow how to take sorbitol solution as you have been told by your doctor. Do not use more than you were told to use.
Oral and rectal solution:
- Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with sorbitol solution. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure sorbitol solution.
- Drink lots of noncaffeine liquids unless told to drink less liquid by your doctor.
Oral solution:
- Take with or without food.
- Take with a full glass of water.
- Mix with juice, milk, water, or sweet foods to make it taste better.
Rectal:
- If you are using sorbitol solution as an enema, use it rectally as you have been told by your doctor.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you take sorbitol solution on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times sorbitol solution is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe diarrhea.
- Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
- Very bad belly pain.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
What are some other side effects of Sorbitol Solution?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Stomach pain or heartburn.
- Stomach cramps.
- Gas.
- Upset stomach.
- Diarrhea.
- Rectal irritation.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Sorbitol Solution?
- Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about sorbitol solution, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.