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Sorbitol

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Sorbitol

  • See Also
  1. Osmotic Laxative
  2. Laxative
  3. Constipation
  4. Functional Constipation
  5. Pediatric Constipation
  • Indications
  1. Functional Constipation
  • Mechanism
  1. Poorly absorbed, hyperosmolar agents
  • Medications
  1. Sorbitol 70% Oral Solution
  2. Sorbitol 25 to 30% Enema
  • Dosing
  1. General
    1. Sweet taste
    2. Onset of action in 24 to 48 hours
  2. Adult (and age >12 years)
    1. Oral: Take 30 to 45 ml Sorbitol 70% orally daily
    2. Rectal: 120 ml per Rectum of Sorbitol 25% Enema
  3. Child (age 1 to 11 years)
    1. Oral: Give 1 ml/kg/day Sorbitol 70% orally once to twice daily
    2. Rectal: Give 30 to 60 ml per Rectum of Sorbitol 25% Enema
  • Pharmacokinetics
  1. Poorly-absorbed sugar, similar to lactose (and may be used in Renal Failure)
  2. Onset of action in 24 to 48 hours
  • Adverse Effects
  1. Flatulence
  2. Abdominal cramping
  • Safety
  1. Pregnancy Category C
  2. Unklnown safety in Lactation
  • Resources
  1. Sorbitol Solution (DailyMed)
    1. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ae9a1c12-8662-4f5d-8435-e51dc2b45780
  • References
  1. (2023) Management of Constipation, Presc Lett, #390108