Sorbitol

Sorbitol is a laxative. It is used to treat constipation.

Sorbitol may also be used for reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Sorbitol is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not use this medication for longer than 1 week without the advice of your doctor.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

A laxative can become habit forming and should only be used until your bowel habits return to normal. Never share sorbitol with anyone else, especially if they have a history of eating disorders. Keep the medication stored safely where others cannot access it.

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using this medication if you have an allergy, if your bowel habits have changed suddenly in the last 2 weeks, or if you have nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain that has not been evaluated by a doctor.

Do not take other laxatives or stool softeners unless your doctor advises you to.

You should not use sorbitol if you are allergic to it.

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 if it is safe for you to take sorbitol if you have:

• any allergy;
• nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain that has not been checked by a doctor;
• if your bowel habits have changed suddenly in the past 2 weeks.

It is not known whether sorbitol will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether sorbitol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

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 right away 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.

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation:

Oral: 30 to 150 mL (70% solution) once.Rectal: 120 mL (25% to 30% solution) as a rectal enema once.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation:

2 to 11 years:Oral: 2 mL/kg (70% solution) once.Rectal: 30 to 60 mL (25% to 30% solution) as a rectal enema once.Greater than or equal to 12 years:Oral: 30 to 150 mL (70% solution) once.Rectal: 120 mL (25% to 30% solution) as a rectal enema once.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

• Overdose symptoms may include diarrhea and stomach cramps.

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

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially other laxatives, stool softeners, or sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with sorbitol. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.