Adjunct to sodium polystyrene sulfonate: 15 mL as 70% solution orally until diarrhea occurs (10 to 20 mL/2 hours) or 20 to 100 mL as an oral vehicle for the sodium polystyrene sulfonate resin.
Hyperosmotic laxative (as single dose, at infrequent intervals):
Oral: 30 to 45 mL (as 70% solution).
Rectal enema: 120 mL as 25% to 30% solution.
Transurethral surgical procedures: Irrigation: Topical: 3% to 3.3% as transurethral surgical procedure irrigation.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
(For additional information see "Sorbitol: Pediatric drug information")
Constipation:
Note: Sorbitol is also found in some juices (eg, pear, apple, prune) and fruits (especially pureed or dried peaches or prunes), which may be recommended for use in infants and children before utilizing pharmacologic therapy (Blackmer 2010; Bolia 2020; Loening-Baucke 2005).
Oral: 70% solution: Note: Dietary sorbitol more commonly recommended:
Infants and Children <12 years: Limited data available: Oral: 1 to 3 mL/kg/day in divided doses once or twice daily; maximum daily dose 60 mL/day (Maqbool 2020).
Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: Oral: 30 to 60 mL in divided doses once or twice daily; maximum daily dose: 60 mL/day.
Rectal enema: 25% to 30% solution:
Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: Rectal: 120 mL once daily as needed.
Toxic ingestion, adjunct with charcoal: Children and Adolescents: Oral: 35% solution: 4.3 mL/kg; Note: Current guidelines recommend limiting use to a single dose administered with the initial charcoal dose of 1 g/kg (AACT/EAPCCT 2004).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
Refer to adult dosing.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Solution, Irrigation:
Generic: 3% (3000 mL); 3.3% (2000 mL, 4000 mL [DSC])
Solution, Oral:
Generic: 70% (30 mL [DSC], 473 mL [DSC], 474 mL [DSC], 480 mL, 3840 mL)
Solution, Rectal:
Generic: 70% (473 mL)
Yes
Oral: May administer without regard to food.
Rectal: Administer as a prepared enema.
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
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Frequency not defined.
Cardiovascular: Edema
Endocrine & metabolic: Electrolyte depletion, hyperglycemia, hypovolemia, lactic acidosis
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal distress, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, xerostomia
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.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Fluid/electrolyte imbalance: Large volumes may result in fluid overload and/or electrolyte changes.
Disease-related concerns:
• Cardiopulmonary disease: Use with caution in patients with severe cardiopulmonary disease.
• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment.
• Unable to metabolize sorbitol: Use with caution in patients unable to metabolize sorbitol.
Excessive amounts of sorbitol may cause hypernatremic dehydration in pediatric patients; use with caution in infants; other causes of constipation should be evaluated prior to initiating therapy.
None known.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the Lexicomp drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate: Sorbitol may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Calcium Polystyrene Sulfonate. More specifically, concomitant use of these agents may increase the risk for intestinal necrosis. Risk X: Avoid combination
LamiVUDine: Sorbitol may decrease the serum concentration of LamiVUDine. Management: When possible, avoid chronic coadministration of sorbitol-containing solutions with lamivudine, but if this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients more closely for possible therapeutic failure associated with decreased lamivudine exposure. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate: Sorbitol may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate. More specifically, concomitant use of these agents may increase the risk for intestinal necrosis. Risk X: Avoid combination
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted.
The manufacturer recommends that caution be exercised when administering sorbitol to nursing women.
Monitor for fluid overload and/or electrolyte disturbances following large volumes; GI distress (bloating, flatulence)
A polyalcoholic sugar with osmotic cathartic actions
Onset of action: Rectal: 0.25-1 hour
Absorption: Oral, rectal: Poor
Metabolism: Primarily hepatic to fructose
Solution (Sorbitol Irrigation)
3% (per mL): $0.01
Solution (Sorbitol Oral)
70% (per mL): $0.01
Solution (Sorbitol Rectal)
70% (per mL): $0.01
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