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Overview

Sorbitol

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor not required

About Sorbitol

Sorbitol is a drug that is mostly used as a laxative. It helps to treat problems of constipation and other related problems that make the process of relieving bowels uncomfortable and painful. It may be administered rectally or taken orally.

Prolonged usage may cause complete dependency on laxatives therefore the use of this medicine should gradually be stopped when the problems of constipation starts improving. Sorbitol is able to produce a laxative effect because of its ability to draw water into the large intestine which stimulates bowel movement

Sorbitol is also used as a Genitourinary irrigant in transurethral prostatic resection or other transurethral resection or other transurethral surgical procedures. It is also helpful as a diuretic; humectant; sweetening agent; hyperosmotic laxative. This drug facilitate the passage of sodium polystyrene sulfonate through the intestinal tract.

Sorbitol is contraindicated in patients who have suffered or are suffering from stomach or intestine blockage, intestinal and stomach bleeding, decreased blood volume, ruptures in the stomach or intestinal walls, hypersensitivity or allergy to sorbitol.

The drug can react with other drugs like lamivudine, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, etc. to cause severe side effects. Therefore prior to using the drug, you should consult a doctor to find the correct dosage as per your medical condition and health.

Side effects that can result fro the use of sorbitol are excessive bowel activity, nausea, diarrhea, edema, dehydration, hyperglycemia, lactic acidosis, xerostomia. While these side effects are possible their occurrence is not so common.

Cathartic: Use of cathartics on a regular basis will have adverse effects. Increased exercise, increased fluid intake, or increased dietary fruit and fiber may be effective in preventing and resolving constipation.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Sorbitol

    • Laxative effect

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Sorbitol ?

    • Anuria

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Sorbitol ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Sorbitol

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      No interaction found

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The effect of this medicine might be initiated in about 0.25 - 1 hour.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Sorbitol

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Sorbitol as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medicine works as a diuretic and laxative by retaining water in the large intestines and inducing peristalsis which stimulates bowel movement.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Sorbitol ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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      • Interaction with Disease

        Use with caution in patients with severe cardiopulmonary or renal impairment and in patients unable to metabolize Sorbitol.

      FAQs about Sorbitol

      • Ques : What is Sorbitol?

        Ans : Sorbitol is a drug that is mostly used as a laxative. It helps to treat problems of constipation and other related problems that make the process of relieving bowels uncomfortable and painful. It may be administered rectally or taken orally.

      • Ques : What are the uses of Sorbitol?

        Ans : Sorbitol used for the treatment of Laxative effect.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Sorbitol before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Sorbitol?

        Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

      • Ques : Should I use Sorbitol empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Sorbitol?

        Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

      • Ques : How is this Sorbitol administered?

        Ans : This medication is administered orally..

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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