Sorbitol

Your doctor will determine how much sorbitol should be usedduring a surgical procedure when flushing the bladder.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use sorbitol safely if you're considering using it as a laxative.

Sorbitol Overdose

If you suspect an overdose of sorbitol, contact an emergency room or poison control center right away.

You can reach a poison control center at 800-222-1222.

Missed Dose of Sorbitol

Sorbitol isn't usually taken regularly on its own as a drug, so a missed dose shouldn't be an issue for most people.

But if sorbitol is prescribed for regular use and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.

If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.

Don't double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

This is not a complete list of Sorbitoldrug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

A laxative may be habit forming and should be used only until your bowel habits return to normal. Never share sorbitol with another person, especially someone with a history of eating disorder. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication if you have an allergy, if your bowel habits have changed suddenly in the past 2 weeks, or if you have nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain that has not been checked by a doctor.

Avoid taking other laxatives or stool softeners unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using sorbitol and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe stomach cramps;

• vomiting;

• severe diarrhea;

• rectal bleeding;

• black, bloody, or tarry stools;

• weakness, dizziness; or

• frequent urge to have a bowel movement.

Less serious side effects may include:

• gas, mild nausea or stomach cramps; or

• rectal irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

The cardiovascular status, especially of the patient with cardiac disease, should be carefully observed before and during transurethral resection of the prostate when using 3% Sorbitol Urologic Irrigating Solution, because the quantity of fluid absorbed into the systemic circulation by opened prostatic veins may produce significant expansion of the intravascular fluid and lead to fulminating congestive heart failure.

Shift of sodium free intracellular fluid into the extracellular compartment, following systemic absorption may lower serum concentration and aggravate preexisting hyponatremia.

Excessive loss of water and electrolytes may lead to serious imbalances. With continuous administration of solution, loss of water may occur in excess of electrolytes, producing hypernatremia.

Sustained diuresis that results from transurethral irrigation with Sorbitol irrigating solutions may obscure and intensify inadequate hydration or hypovolemia.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy category C.

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with 3% Sorbitol Urologic Irrigating Solution. It is not known whether 3% Sorbitol Urologic Irrigating Solution can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. 3% Sorbitol Urologic Irrigating Solution should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of Irrigation Solutions did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from other younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.

Do not administer unless the solution is clear and the seal is intact.

Genitourinary irrigant in transurethral prostatic resection or other transurethral resection or other transurethral surgical procedures; diuretic; humectant; sweetening agent; hyperosmotic laxative; facilitate the passage of sodium polystyrene sulfonate through the intestinal tract

Anuria (for irrigation)

OTC labeling: When used for self-medication, do not use for longer than 7 days or when abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting is present.

Irrigation solution: Avoid storage in temperatures >150°F; do not freeze.

Oral solution: Store at 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F); do not freeze; below 15°C (59°F) cloudiness and thickening may occur; warming will restore clarity and fluidity without affecting product quality.

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted.

This medication is used as a laxative to treat occasional episodes of constipation.

Depending on the brand, this product may be taken by mouth and/or given rectally. Some products may only be given rectally. Be sure to check the label on your product for how to take your specific product.

How to use Sorbitol Solution

If you are taking this medication by mouth, follow your doctor's directions.

If you are using this medication rectally, properly mix an enema as directed by the product package or as directed by your doctor.

Do not use for longer than one week and do not take with additional laxatives or stool softeners unless directed by your doctor.

Laxatives should only be used temporarily until normal bowel habits return. Prolonged use can lead to laxative dependence.

Applies to sorbitol: compounding powder, irrigation solution, oral liquid

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included sudden severe abdominal bloating, abdominal cramping, vomiting, and osmotic diarrhea.[Ref]

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have included reports of hypernatremia. These reports have primarily been associated with multiple administrations of activated charcoal sorbitol preparations.[Ref]

One case study describes a 37-year-old patient who presented with phencyclidine intoxication. The patient was given four doses of activated charcoal in sorbitol and 1 dose of magnesium citrate over a 12-hour period of time. Lab results showed an increase in the serum sodium from 138 mmol/L to 165 mmol/L. The hypernatremia continued to worsen after the magnesium citrate was discontinued. It was felt that the increase was due to the repeated sorbitol administration. Other adult cases of hypernatremia secondary to activated charcoal-sorbitol regimens have been reported in the literature.[Ref]

Some side effects of sorbitol may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

Data not available

Data not available