Questions You Should Know about Sorbitol Solution

What is sorbitol used for?

Sorbitol is commonly used to help certain people with constipation.

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Sorbitol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does sorbitol work (mechanism of action)?

Sorbitol is an osmotic laxative. It pulls water into the intestines to soften poop. Softer poop is easier to pass and can help relieve constipation.

How is sorbitol supplied (dosage forms)?

Sorbitol is available in various strengths and forms, such as a liquid that is inserted into the rectum or a liquid that is swallowed.

How should I store sorbitol?

Sorbitol should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze it. If exposed to temperatures below 59 F (15 C), the liquid may thicken and look cloudy. This is not likely to affect the medicine. Before using it, you can warm it up to return it to the normal thickness and appearance. Follow the instructions on your product label or ask your pharmacist if you have questions.

Who should not use sorbitol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use sorbitol.

• Sorbitol
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific sorbitol products they stock.

What should I know about sorbitol before using it?

Sorbitol is available in various forms, such as a liquid that you swallow or an enema that is put in your rectum. Read and follow the instructions that come with your product. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use sorbitol. Do not use more than is recommended. If you have any questions, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider. 

Keep sorbitol out of the reach of children. This is especially important if the sorbitol container is not childproof. 

Do not use sorbitol if you have nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain with your constipation.

Stop using sorbitol and contact your health care provider if any of the following happen.

• You have rectal bleeding
• You have not pooped after using it
• You continue to have trouble with constipation after one week of use

What should I tell my health care provider before using sorbitol?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if sorbitol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Diabetes
• Kidney problems
• Serious heart problems
• Sudden change in your pooping habits lasting longer than two weeks

Other Medicines and Supplements. Sorbitol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using sorbitol, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how sorbitol could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use sorbitol while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if sorbitol passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use sorbitol while breastfeeding.

Sorbitol is a type of carbohydrate that falls into a category of sugar alcohols called polyols. It’s found in some fruits and is also commercially manufactured to preserve moisture and add sweetness.

Sorbitol, also called D-sorbitol, 50-70-4, E420, and D-glucitol, is a type of carbohydrate. It falls into a category of sugar alcohols called polyols.

This water-soluble compound is found naturally in some fruits, including apples, apricots, dates, berries, peaches, plums, and figs (1).

It’s also commercially manufactured from corn syrup for use in packaged foods, beverages, and medications.

Commercially, sorbitol is used to preserve moisture, add sweetness, and provide texture to products, as well as potentially support digestive and oral health.

Sorbitol is a widely used sugar alcohol for several reasons.

First, sugar alcohols are often used in foods and beverages in place of traditional sugar to reduce their calorie content. Sorbitol contains approximately two-thirds of the calories of table sugar and provides about 60% of the sweetness (2).

It’s also not fully digested in your small intestine. What remains of the compound from there moves into the large intestine where it’s instead fermented, or broken down by bacteria, resulting in fewer calories being absorbed (3).

Second, the sweetener is often added to foods marketed to people with diabetes. That’s because it has very little effect on blood sugar levels when eaten, compared with foods made with traditional sweeteners like table sugar.

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Third, unlike table sugar, sugar alcohols like sorbitol don’t contribute to the formation of cavities. This is one reason why they’re often used to sweeten sugar-free chewing gum and liquid medications (1, 4).

In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized that sugar alcohols like sorbitol may benefit oral health. This is based on a study that found that sorbitol may reduce cavity risk compared with table sugar, although not to the same extent as other sugar alcohols (5, 6).

Lastly, it’s used on its own as a laxative to combat constipation. It’s hyperosmotic, meaning it draws water into the colon from surrounding tissues to promote bowel movements. It can be purchased for this purpose at most grocery and drug stores without a prescription.

Consuming sorbitol or other sugar alcohols in large amounts can cause bloating and diarrhea in some people, especially if you’re not used to regularly consuming them. This can be an unwelcome result for some, but the desired effect for those using it to promote bowel activity.

Fortunately, other side effects from sorbitol appear to be uncommon. The most frequently reported complaint is diarrhea, though it may be accompanied by abdominal cramping or nausea (7, 8).

Still, while some laxatives can be habit-forming and shouldn’t be used for prolonged periods, sorbitol is considered a less risky, non-stimulative laxative. That said, given that it works by drawing fluid into your intestines to promote bowel activity, it should only be used as directed (9).

Despite its potential side effects, sorbitol has been reviewed and recognized as safe to consume by many global health authorities, including the FDA, Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), and European Union (2, 10).

Sorbitol for laxative use can be found both as a rectal enema or liquid solution to be taken orally. You can take it orally with a glass of water or mixed into flavored beverages, with or without food.

Recommended dosages vary. Some studies indicate that unwanted side effects are more likely if you consume 10 grams or more per day. Additionally, one study found that malabsorption was more likely with doses of 10 grams — even among healthy individuals (1, 10).

The FDA requires that labels on foods that could cause you to consume more than 50 grams daily include the warning: “Excess consumption may have a laxative effect” (12).

That’s because taking too much sorbitol can cause severe digestive side effects and electrolyte imbalances, although there’s no evidence that the compound can cause toxicity (7, 10).

If you think you’ve taken too much sorbitol and are experiencing significant symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Be prepared to provide information about the dosage and your symptoms, including the timing of their onset.

Ultimately, it’s best to follow consumer directions on the packaging. Alternatively, consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about appropriate dosing and usage.

Sorbitol should not be taken with calcium or sodium polystyrene sulfonate, which are used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood. Doing so can cause an interaction that leads to intestinal tissue death (11).

If you’re taking sorbitol to alleviate constipation, avoid using other laxatives at the same time unless your healthcare provider has specifically directed you to do so.

Most sorbitol can be stored at room temperature, or approximately 77°F (25°C). It should not be frozen or kept in hot environments, as this may reduce its shelf life.

However, many variations of sorbitol products exist, so it’s likely that their shelf lives vary.

If stored correctly, most products typically last 6–12 months, although this depends on the form and brand. Once a product is expired, be sure to discard it appropriately through a drug take-back event or another safe disposal method.

While clinical research on the effects of taking sorbitol while pregnant or breastfeeding is limited, sugar alcohols and polyols are generally considered safe to use in moderation (13).

Yet, as with other medications and supplements, it’s always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider before using sorbitol if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Sorbitol is generally considered a low risk laxative for most people when used correctly, although certain populations should avoid it.

Caution is advised if using sorbitol for children. It’s best to speak to your healthcare provider for specific dosing for kids.

People with preexisting digestive conditions or sensitivities may also want to avoid the compound (14).

This includes those following a low FODMAP diet, which excludes certain types of carbs. FODMAP is an acronym that stands for “fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols,” and sorbitol is a polyol (15).

The low FODMAP diet is commonly followed by people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As such, those with this condition should avoid using sorbitol.

As with other medications, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider about the appropriate use and dosage of sorbitol, especially if you have a chronic health condition.

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