Sorbitan

Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on March 15, 2021.

What is it?

Sorbitans are derived from dehydration of sorbitol or sorbose and related compounds in ester combination with fatty acids and with short oligo (ethylene oxide) side chains and an oleate terminus to form detergents and surfactants such as polysorbate 80. Their appearance may vary from an amber-colored oily, viscous liquid, to a light cream color, to tan beads or flakes or a hard, waxy solid with a slight odor They are also used as surfactants or emulsifying agents in the preparation of emulsions, creams, and ointments for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use. Sorbitan use in asthma inhalers has been implicated in causing secondary bronchospasms in children.

Top Medications with this excipient

• Acetaminophen, Doxylamine Succinate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride acetaminophen 325 mg / doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg / phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg
• Advil Cold & Sinus (Liqui-Gel) ibuprofen 200 mg / pseudoephedrine 30 mg
• Advil Liqui-Gels 200 mg
• Amantadine Hydrochloride 100 mg
• Bisacodyl 5 mg
• Calcitriol 0.25 mcg
• Calcitriol 0.25 mcg
• Calcitriol 0.5 mcg
• Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10 mg
• Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10 mg
• Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride 25 mg
• Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride and Ibuprofen 25 mg / 200 mg
• Docusate Sodium 250 mg
• Gas-X Extra Strength (Softgels) simethicone 125 mg
• Ibuprofen 200 mg
• Loratadine 10 mg
• Multi Symptom Cold and Flu Relief Night Time acetaminophen 325 mg / dextromethorphan 15 mg / doxylamine 6.25 mg
• Multi Symptom NiteTime acetaminophen 325mg / dextromethorphan 15mg / doxylamine 6.25 mg
• Robitussin Peak Cold Nighttime Cold + Flu acetaminophen 325 mg / dextromethorphan hydrobromide 15 mg / doxylamine succinate 6.25 mg
• Simethicone 125 mg

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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