SORBITOL (SOR buh tol) treats occasional constipation. It works by increasing the amount of water your intestine absorbs. This softens the stool, making it easier to have a bowel movement. It also increases pressure, which prompts the muscles in your intestines to move stool. It belongs to a group of medications called laxatives.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on prescription label at the same time every day. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.
This medication may also be used rectally with an enema. Follow the directions on the label. Wash your hands before and after use. Remove top from enema. Lubricate the tip of the bottle. Lie on your side with your lower leg straightened out and your upper leg bent forward towards your stomach. Lift upper buttock to expose the rectal area. Gently insert enema tip into the rectum. Squeeze the bottle until empty. Wait a few seconds before removing the bottle. Hold buttocks together for a few seconds. Remain lying down for about 15 minutes to avoid having the medication come out.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
Advertisement
This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use, and should only be used as needed.
Interactions are not expected.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Advertisement
Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not use this medication for longer than directed by your care team. This medication can be habit-forming. Long-term use can make your body depend on the laxative for regular bowel movements, damage the bowel, cause malnutrition, and cause problems with the amounts of water and salts in your body. If your constipation keeps returning, check with your care team.
Do not use with any other laxatives. Drink fluids as directed to prevent dehydration. See your care team right away if you do not have a bowel movement after using this medication.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy