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sorbitol; glucitol

Indications: - cathartic used for constipation, bowel preparation - genitourinary irrigant in transurethral prostate resection - adjunct to polystyrene sulfonate Dosage: 1) adults a) 30-150 mL of 70% solution PO b) 120 mL of 20-30% solution PR c) as a single dose @ infrequent intervals d) 10-20 mL of 70% solution PO every 2 hours until diarrhea occurs 2) children: a) 2 mL/kg, up to 150 mL PO b) 30-60 mL of 20-30% solution PR 3) 20-100 mL of 70% solution as a vehicle for polystyrene sulfonate resin 4) when administered with activated charcoal - 4.3 mL/kg of 70% solution with 1 g/kg of activated charcoal 5) Take with a full glass of water Generic: 70% solution Do NOT freeze. Do NOT use unless solution is clear. Pharmacokinetics: 1) not abdorbed 2) onset of action 15-60 minutes Adverse effects: 1) hypotension 2) dehydration: fluid & electrolyte imbalances 3) diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal cramps 4) unpleasant sweet taste Mechanism of action: 1) hyperosmotic laxative 2) sweetening agent

Interactions

molecular events drug interactions drug adverse effects (more general classes) monitor with osmotic diuretics

Related

polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate, Kalimate, Kionex)

General

hexose osmotic diuretic sugar alcohol

Properties

MISC-INFO: elimination route FECES pregnancy-category + safety in lactation +

Database Correlations

PUBCHEM cid=5780

References

  1. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed. Gilman et al, eds. Permagon Press/McGraw Hill, 1996
  2. Geriatric Dosage Handbook, 6th edition, Selma et al eds, Lexi-Comp, Cleveland, 2001
  3. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA National Formulary

Component-of

activated charcoal/sorbitol carboxymethylcellulose/sorbitol (artificial saliva, saliva substitute) iron sorbitol mannitol/sorbitol