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GENERIC NAME: SORBITOL - ORAL

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. 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, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: undiagnosed stomach pain, nausea/vomiting, rectal bleeding, a sudden change in bowel habits lasting over 2 weeks. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: any allergies. Contact your doctor promptly if your constipation is not relieved after using this medication for one week. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its effects. This medication is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.





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 »

What is constipation?

Constipation means different things to different people. For many people, it simply means infrequent stools. For others, however, constipation means hard stools, difficulty passing stools (straining), or a sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement. The cause of each of these "types" of constipation probably is different, and the approach to each should be tailored to the specific type of constipation.

Constipation also can alternate with diarrhea. This pattern commonly occurs as part of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). At the extreme end of the constipation spectrum is fecal impaction, a condition in which stool hardens in the rectum and prevents the passage of any stool.

The number of bowel movements generally decreases with age. Ninety-five percent of adults have bowel movements between three and 21 times per week, and this would be considered normal. The most common pattern is one bowel movement a day, but ...

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