sorbitol; glucitol

Indications

• cathartic used for constipation, bowel preparation
• genitourinary irrigant in transurethral prostate resection
• adjunct to polystyrene sulfonate

Dosage

• adults
  • 30-150 mL of 70% solution PO
  • 120 mL of 20-30% solution PR
  • as a single dose @ infrequent intervals
  • 10-20 mL of 70% solution PO every 2 hours until diarrhea occurs
• children:
  • 2 mL/kg, up to 150 mL PO
  • 30-60 mL of 20-30% solution PR
• 20-100 mL of 70% solution as a vehicle for polystyrene sulfonate resin
• when administered with activated charcoal
  • 4.3 mL/kg of 70% solution with 1 g/kg of activated charcoal
• Take with a full glass of water

Generic: 70% solution

Do NOT freeze.

Do NOT use unless solution is clear.

Pharmacokinetics

• not abdorbed
• onset of action 15-60 minutes

elimination via feces

Adverse effects

• hypotension
• dehydration: fluid & electrolyte imbalances
• diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal cramps
• unpleasant sweet taste

• drug adverse effects of diuretics
• drug adverse effects of antihypertensive agents

Mechanism of action

• hyperosmotic laxative
• sweetening agent

More general terms

• sugar alcohol
• hexose
• osmotic diuretic

Additional terms

• polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate, Kalimate, Kionex)

Component of

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

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=5780