Sorbitol

Category:

  • Gastrointestinal

Description:

  • Laxative (osmotic); Diuretic (osmotic)

Indications:

  • Facilitate passage of polystyrene sulfonate through intestinal tract

  • Irrigant solution during transurethral prostatic surgery

  • Laxative (not FDA approved)

Contraindications:

  • Anuria

Precautions:

  • Significant cardiopulmonary,renal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, hyponatremia, hypovolemia

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • CNS: seizures, vertigo

  • CV: angina, hypotension, congestive heart failure

  • EENT:Blurred vision, rhinitis, thirst

  • GI: Colonic necrosis, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

  • GU: Acidosis, diuresis, edema, urinary retention

  • METAB: acidosis, hyperglycemia, hypernatremia, hyponatremia

  • Skin: rash, urticaria

Dosage:

Administed orally (Solution)

  • Adult: 

    • Laxative: 

      • PO 30-150ml (70% solution)

    • Rectal Enema: 

      • 120ml (25-30% solution)

    • Adjunct to polystrene sulfonate: 

      • 15ml (70%) until diarrhea, or 20-100ml as oral vehicle for the resin.

    • Irrigant: 

      • Top 3-3.3% solution

  • Child:  

    • Laxative: 

      • PO 2ml/kg (70% solution)

    • Rectal enema: 

      • 30-60ml (25-30% solution)

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300 

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
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