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sorbitol - oral

GENERIC NAME: SORBITOL - ORAL (SOR-bi-tole)

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

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

HOW TO USE: This medication is usually taken by mouth. 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.This medication may also be used rectally as an enema after properly mixing. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, gas, diarrhea, stomach cramps or anal irritation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: rectal bleeding, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, persistent urge to empty the bowel.Tell your doctor immediately if the following highly unlikely but very serious side effect occurs: black, tarry stools.An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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sorbitol - oral

Constipation facts

  • Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week.
  • Constipation usually is caused by the slow movement of stool through the colon.
  • There are many causes of constipation including medications, poor bowel habits, low fiber diets, abuse of laxatives, hormonal disorders, and diseases primarily of other parts of the body that also affect the colon.
  • The two disorders limited to the colon that cause constipation are colonic inertia and pelvic floor dysfunction.
  • Medical evaluation for the cause of constipation should be done when constipation is of sudden onset, severe, worsening, associated with other worrisome symptoms such as loss of weight, or is not responding to simple, safe treatments.
  • Medical evaluation of constipation may include a history, physical examinatio...

Read the Constipation article »




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