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Sorbitol

Generic: Sorbitol

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
NDC
0990-7981
RxCUI
1301959
Route
RECTAL
ICD-10 indication
N32.9

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About Sorbitol

What is this medication? Sorbitol is a type of sugar alcohol that is primarily used as an osmotic laxative to treat occasional constipation. It works by pulling water into the colon from the surrounding body tissues, which softens the stool and promotes regular bowel movements. This medication is available in several forms, including oral liquids and rectal solutions, and is often chosen for its ability to provide relief from digestive discomfort by increasing the fluid content within the intestinal tract. In a clinical setting, sorbitol is also used as a sterile irrigation solution during certain urological procedures, such as surgeries involving the bladder or prostate. It serves to clear the surgical field of blood and debris while distending the organs to provide better visibility for the surgeon. Because it is a non-conductive fluid, it is particularly safe for use with electrosurgical instruments. It is important for patients with specific metabolic disorders, such as hereditary fructose intolerance, to exercise caution with this medication as the body metabolizes it into fructose.

Copay & patient assistance

Detailed copay and financial assistance information is not publicly available for this medication at this time. Please consult your pharmacist or the manufacturer's official patient support program for more details.

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for Sorbitol. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Oct 30, 2025

Indications and usage
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Sorbitol-Mannitol Irrigation is indicated for use as a urologic irrigating fluid during transurethral prostatic resection and other transurethral surgical procedures.
Dosage and administration
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Sorbitol-Mannitol Irrigation should be administered only by transurethral instillation with appropriate urologic instrumentation. A disposable administration set should be used. The total volume of solution used for irrigation is solely at the discretion of the surgeon. Height of container(s) above the operating table in excess of 60 cm (approx. 2 ft) has been reported to increase intravascular absorption of the irrigating fluid. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever container and solution permit. (See PRECAUTIONS .)
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS NOT FOR INJECTION BY USUAL PARENTERAL ROUTES. Do not use in patients with anuria.
Warnings
WARNINGS FOR UROLOGIC IRRIGATION ONLY. Solutions for urologic irrigation must be used with caution in patients with severe cardiopulmonary or renal dysfunction. Irrigating fluids used during transurethral prostatectomy have been demonstrated to enter the systemic circulation in relatively large volumes; thus, sorbitol-mannitol irrigant must be regarded as a systemic drug. Absorption of large amounts of fluids containing sorbitol-mannitol and the osmotic diuresis it produces may significantly alter cardiopulmonary and renal dynamics. Hyperglycemia from metabolism of sorbitol may occur in patients with diabetes mellitus. Hyperlactatemia from metabolism of sorbitol may potentially produce a significant lactic acidemia in metabolically compromised patients. The contents of an opened container should be used promptly to minimize the possibility of bacterial growth or pyrogen formation. Discard the unused portion of irrigation solution since it contains no preservatives. Do not heat over 66°C (150°F).
Adverse reactions
ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse reactions may result from intravascular absorption of sorbitol and mannitol. The literature reports occasional adverse reactions from intravenous sorbitol-mannitol infusions. Consequences of absorption of urologic irrigating solutions include fluid and electrolyte disturbances such as acidosis, electrolyte loss, marked diuresis, urinary retention, edema, dryness of mouth, thirst and dehydration; cardiovascular disorders such as hypotension, tachycardia, angina-like pains; pulmonary disorders such as pulmonary congestion; and other general reactions such as blurred vision, convulsions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rhinitis, chills, vertigo, backache and urticaria. Allergic reactions from sorbitol-mannitol have also been reported. Should any adverse reaction occur, discontinue the irrigant, evaluate the patient, institute appropriate therapeutic countermeasures and save the remainder of the fluid for examination if deemed necessary.

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

Conditions we've indexed resources for

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How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
  • Copay and assistance URLs verified periodically; if you hit a broken link, tell us.