Sorbitol Side Effects

Please note - some side effects for Sorbitol may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

Side Effects of Sorbitol - for the Consumer

Sorbitol Irrigation Solution

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Sorbitol Irrigation Solution:

Dry mouth; increased or decreased urination.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Sorbitol Irrigation Solution:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision; change in heart rate; chest pains; confusion; diarrhea; nausea; seizures; shortness of breath; swelling of hands or feet; thirst; tiredness; vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

Sorbitol Solution

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Sorbitol Solution:

Anal irritation; diarrhea; gas; nausea; stomach cramps.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Sorbitol Solution:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); continuing constipation; dizziness; rectal bleeding; sudden weight gain; unusual swelling; vomiting; weakness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

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Sorbitol Side Effects - for the Professional

Sorbitol

Occasional adverse reactions may occur which include slight increases in postoperative serum glucose, inhibition of intestinal absorption of vitamin B12, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, such as acidosis, electrolyte loss, edema, dryness of the mouth, thirst and dehydration, cardiovascular/pulmonary disorders such as pulmonary congestion, hypotension, tachycardia and angina-like pains. In addition, patients unable to metabolize Sorbitol rapidly enough may develop hyperosmolar states.

If an adverse reaction does occur, discontinue administration of the irrigant, evaluate the patient, institute appropriate therapeutic countermeasures and save the remainder of the fluid for examination, if deemed necessary.

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Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included sudden severe abdominal bloating, abdominal cramping, vomiting, and osmotic diarrhea.

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have included reports of hypernatremia. These reports have primarily been associated with multiple administrations of activated charcoal sorbitol preparations.

One case study describes a 37-year-old patient who presented with phencyclidine intoxication. The patient was given four doses of activated charcoal in sorbitol and 1 dose of magnesium citrate over a 12-hour period of time. Lab results showed an increase in the serum sodium from 138 mmol/L to 165 mmol/L. The hypernatremia continued to worsen after the magnesium citrate was discontinued. It was felt that the increase was due to the repeated sorbitol administration. Other adult cases of hypernatremia secondary to activated charcoal-sorbitol regimens have been reported in the literature.

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