When to Use sorbitol powder？

What is this medication?

SORBITOL (SOR buh tol) treats occasional constipation. It works by increasing the amount of water your intestine absorbs. This softens the stool, making it easier to have a bowel movement. It also increases pressure, which prompts the muscles in your intestines to move stool. It belongs to a group of medications called laxatives.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Stomach or intestine problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to sorbitol, fructose, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on prescription label at the same time every day. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.

This medication may also be used rectally with an enema. Follow the directions on the label. Wash your hands before and after use. Remove top from enema. Lubricate the tip of the bottle. Lie on your side with your lower leg straightened out and your upper leg bent forward towards your stomach. Lift upper buttock to expose the rectal area. Gently insert enema tip into the rectum. Squeeze the bottle until empty. Wait a few seconds before removing the bottle. Hold buttocks together for a few seconds. Remain lying down for about 15 minutes to avoid having the medication come out.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use, and should only be used as needed.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not use this medication for longer than directed by your care team. This medication can be habit-forming. Long-term use can make your body depend on the laxative for regular bowel movements, damage the bowel, cause malnutrition, and cause problems with the amounts of water and salts in your body. If your constipation keeps returning, check with your care team.

Do not use with any other laxatives. Drink fluids as directed to prevent dehydration. See your care team right away if you do not have a bowel movement after using this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medications to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If your cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Sorbitol is a type of carbohydrate that falls into a category of sugar alcohols called polyols. It’s found in some fruits and is also commercially manufactured to preserve moisture and add sweetness.

Sorbitol, also called D-sorbitol, 50-70-4, E420, and D-glucitol, is a type of carbohydrate. It falls into a category of sugar alcohols called polyols.

This water-soluble compound is found naturally in some fruits, including apples, apricots, dates, berries, peaches, plums, and figs (1).

It’s also commercially manufactured from corn syrup for use in packaged foods, beverages, and medications.

Commercially, sorbitol is used to preserve moisture, add sweetness, and provide texture to products, as well as potentially support digestive and oral health.

Sorbitol is a widely used sugar alcohol for several reasons.

First, sugar alcohols are often used in foods and beverages in place of traditional sugar to reduce their calorie content. Sorbitol contains approximately two-thirds of the calories of table sugar and provides about 60% of the sweetness (2).

It’s also not fully digested in your small intestine. What remains of the compound from there moves into the large intestine where it’s instead fermented, or broken down by bacteria, resulting in fewer calories being absorbed (3).

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Second, the sweetener is often added to foods marketed to people with diabetes. That’s because it has very little effect on blood sugar levels when eaten, compared with foods made with traditional sweeteners like table sugar.

Third, unlike table sugar, sugar alcohols like sorbitol don’t contribute to the formation of cavities. This is one reason why they’re often used to sweeten sugar-free chewing gum and liquid medications (1, 4).

In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized that sugar alcohols like sorbitol may benefit oral health. This is based on a study that found that sorbitol may reduce cavity risk compared with table sugar, although not to the same extent as other sugar alcohols (5, 6).

Lastly, it’s used on its own as a laxative to combat constipation. It’s hyperosmotic, meaning it draws water into the colon from surrounding tissues to promote bowel movements. It can be purchased for this purpose at most grocery and drug stores without a prescription.

Consuming sorbitol or other sugar alcohols in large amounts can cause bloating and diarrhea in some people, especially if you’re not used to regularly consuming them. This can be an unwelcome result for some, but the desired effect for those using it to promote bowel activity.

Fortunately, other side effects from sorbitol appear to be uncommon. The most frequently reported complaint is diarrhea, though it may be accompanied by abdominal cramping or nausea (7, 8).

Still, while some laxatives can be habit-forming and shouldn’t be used for prolonged periods, sorbitol is considered a less risky, non-stimulative laxative. That said, given that it works by drawing fluid into your intestines to promote bowel activity, it should only be used as directed (9).

Despite its potential side effects, sorbitol has been reviewed and recognized as safe to consume by many global health authorities, including the FDA, Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), and European Union (2, 10).

Sorbitol for laxative use can be found both as a rectal enema or liquid solution to be taken orally. You can take it orally with a glass of water or mixed into flavored beverages, with or without food.

Recommended dosages vary. Some studies indicate that unwanted side effects are more likely if you consume 10 grams or more per day. Additionally, one study found that malabsorption was more likely with doses of 10 grams — even among healthy individuals (1, 10).

The FDA requires that labels on foods that could cause you to consume more than 50 grams daily include the warning: “Excess consumption may have a laxative effect” (12).

That’s because taking too much sorbitol can cause severe digestive side effects and electrolyte imbalances, although there’s no evidence that the compound can cause toxicity (7, 10).

If you think you’ve taken too much sorbitol and are experiencing significant symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Be prepared to provide information about the dosage and your symptoms, including the timing of their onset.

Ultimately, it’s best to follow consumer directions on the packaging. Alternatively, consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about appropriate dosing and usage.

Sorbitol should not be taken with calcium or sodium polystyrene sulfonate, which are used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood. Doing so can cause an interaction that leads to intestinal tissue death (11).

If you’re taking sorbitol to alleviate constipation, avoid using other laxatives at the same time unless your healthcare provider has specifically directed you to do so.

Most sorbitol can be stored at room temperature, or approximately 77°F (25°C). It should not be frozen or kept in hot environments, as this may reduce its shelf life.

However, many variations of sorbitol products exist, so it’s likely that their shelf lives vary.

If stored correctly, most products typically last 6–12 months, although this depends on the form and brand. Once a product is expired, be sure to discard it appropriately through a drug take-back event or another safe disposal method.

While clinical research on the effects of taking sorbitol while pregnant or breastfeeding is limited, sugar alcohols and polyols are generally considered safe to use in moderation (13).

Yet, as with other medications and supplements, it’s always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider before using sorbitol if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Sorbitol is generally considered a low risk laxative for most people when used correctly, although certain populations should avoid it.

Caution is advised if using sorbitol for children. It’s best to speak to your healthcare provider for specific dosing for kids.

People with preexisting digestive conditions or sensitivities may also want to avoid the compound (14).

This includes those following a low FODMAP diet, which excludes certain types of carbs. FODMAP is an acronym that stands for “fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols,” and sorbitol is a polyol (15).

The most similar alternatives are other sugar alcohols like erythritol or xylitol, which are commonly used in chewing gum and diet drinks (16).

Other foods that may provide similar laxative effects include (14):

• Flax and chia seeds. These contain 8–10 grams of stool-promoting fiber per 1/4 cup or 3 tablespoons (30 grams), respectively (17, 18).
• Kefir. This is a fermented milk product rich in probiotics that can increase regularity and the speed of intestinal transit, add moisture, and bulk up your stool (19, 20).
• Castor oil. This long-used natural laxative is derived from castor beans, which are full of intestinal-movement-promoting ricinoleic acid (21).
• Fruits and veggies. High fiber fruits and veggies like berries and leafy greens can boost stool output (22).
• Legumes. Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, and peanuts are rich in fiber and the compound butyric acid, both of which promote regularity (23).
• Prunes and apples. These are natural sources of sorbitol. Note that they may not be good options for those following a low FODMAP diet.
• Senna. This herb is derived from the plant Senna alexandrina and found in many common over-the-counter laxatives (24).
• Aloe vera. Aloe vera latex is often used as a laxative. It’s full of anthraquinone glycoside, which are compounds that draw water into the intestines and stimulate your digestive tract (25).
• Magnesium citrate. This common laxative and nutritional supplement promotes bowel movements.
• Coffee. This beverage is a natural bowel stimulant that triggers intestinal muscle movement in many people.
• Psyllium husk. This rich source of soluble fiber can help soften stool and make it easier to pass (26).

Sorbitol may also be used in conjunction with a diet rich in fiber and stool-forming foods to maintain bowel regularity.

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