Sorbitol

Category:

• Gastrointestinal

Description:

• Laxative (osmotic); Diuretic (osmotic)

Indications:

• Facilitate passage of polystyrene sulfonate through intestinal tract

• Irrigant solution during transurethral prostatic surgery

• Laxative (not FDA approved)

Contraindications:

• Anuria

Precautions:

• Significant cardiopulmonary,renal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, hyponatremia, hypovolemia

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• CNS: seizures, vertigo

• CV: angina, hypotension, congestive heart failure

• EENT:Blurred vision, rhinitis, thirst

• GI: Colonic necrosis, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

• GU: Acidosis, diuresis, edema, urinary retention

• METAB: acidosis, hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, hyponatremia

• Skin: rash, urticaria

Dosage:

Administed orally (Solution)

• Adult: 

  • Laxative: 

    • PO 30-150ml (70% solution)

  • Rectal Enema: 

    • 120ml (25-30% solution)

  • Adjunct to polystrene sulfonate: 

    • 15ml (70%) until diarrhea, or 20-100ml as oral vehicle for the resin.

  • Irrigant: 

    • Top 3-3.3% solution

• Child:  

  • Laxative: 

    • PO 2ml/kg (70% solution)

  • Rectal enema: 

    • 30-60ml (25-30% solution)