Uses

This medication is used as a laxative to treat occasional episodes of constipation.Depending on the brand, this product may be taken by mouth and/or given rectally. Some products may only be given rectally. Be sure to check the label on your product for how to take your specific product.

How to use Sorbitol Solution

If you are taking this medication by mouth, follow your doctor's directions.

If you are using this medication rectally, properly mix an enema as directed by the product package or as directed by your doctor.

Do not use for longer than one week and do not take with additional laxatives or stool softeners unless directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if your constipation is not relieved after using this medication for one week.

Laxatives should only be used temporarily until normal bowel habits return. Prolonged use can lead to laxative dependence.

If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Side Effects

Nausea, gas, diarrhea, stomach cramps or anal irritation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: rectal bleeding, black stools, vomiting, weakness, dizziness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: undiagnosed stomach pain, nausea/vomiting, rectal bleeding, a sudden change in bowel habits lasting over 2 weeks.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: lamivudine, sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

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Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: stomach cramps, diarrhea.

Notes Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Consult your doctor for a plan that is right for you to prevent constipation. The plan may include drinking more fluids, increasing bulk or fiber in your diet, and regular exercise.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage Storage

Store at room temperature away from light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.