Sorbitol Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 25, 2024.

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation

Oral: 30 to 150 mL (70% solution) once.

Rectal: 120 mL (25% to 30% solution) as a rectal enema once.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation

2 to 11 years:
Oral: 2 mL/kg (70% solution) once.
Rectal: 30 to 60 mL (25% to 30% solution) as a rectal enema once.

Greater than or equal to 12 years:
Oral: 30 to 150 mL (70% solution) once.
Rectal: 120 mL (25% to 30% solution) as a rectal enema once.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

The use of sorbitol is contraindicated in patients with anuria. Sorbitol should not be used in patients with suspected or documented fructose intolerance. Sorbitol should not given by injection.

Sudden severe abdominal bloating and diarrhea have been reported in patients ingesting sorbitol.

Solutions for urologic irrigation should be used with caution in patients with severe cardiopulmonary or renal dysfunction.

Irrigating fluids used during transurethral prostatectomy have been demonstrated to enter the systemic circulation in relatively large volumes; thus sorbitol irrigating solution must be regarded as a systemic agent. Absorption of large amounts of fluids containing sorbitol may significantly alter cardiopulmonary and renal dynamics. Appropriate patient monitoring should be conducted due to the possibility of fluid overload. If fluid overload occurs, intensive fluid and electrolyte management should be initiated. Monitoring of fluid and electrolyte levels beyond the acute phase may be necessary due to the possibility of delayed fluid absorption.

Hyperglycemia from metabolism of absorbed sorbitol may be observed in patients with diabetes mellitus.

The cardiovascular status, especially of the patient with cardiac disease, should be carefully monitored before and during transurethral resection of the prostate when using 3% sorbitol urologic irrigating solution, because the quantity of fluid absorbed into the systemic circulation by opened prostatic veins may produce significant expansion of the intravascular fluid and lead to fulminating congestive heart failure.

Shift of sodium free intracellular fluid into the extracellular compartment, following systemic absorption could lower serum concentration and aggravate preexisting hyponatremia.

Excessive loss of water and electrolytes may lead to serious imbalances. With continuous use of solution, loss of water may occur in excess of electrolytes, producing hypernatremia.

Sustained diuresis that results from transurethral irrigation with sorbitol irrigating solutions could obscure and intensify inadequate hydration or hypovolemia.

Dialysis

Data not available

See also:

Further information

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