Constipation sorbitol

For most nonhospitalized persons with acute constipation, the infrequent use (less than every few weeks) of most laxative products is acceptable however, before more potent laxative or cathartics are used, relatively simple measures may be tried. For example, acute constipation may be relieved by the use of a tap-water enema or a glycerin suppository if neither is effective, the use of oral sorbitol, low doses of bisacodyl or senna, or saline laxatives (e.g., milk of magnesia) may provide relief. 

Sorbitol, a monosaccharide, has been recommended as a primary agent in the treatment of functional constipation in cognitively intact patients. It is as effective as lactulose and much less expensive. 

These agents may be used for the treatment of acute constipation or the prevention of chronic constipation. Magnesium oxide (milk of magnesia) is a commonly used osmotic laxative. It should not be used for prolonged periods in patients with renal insufficiency due to risk of hypermagnesemia. Sorbitol and lactulose are nonabsorbable sugars that can be used to prevent or... 

For some bedridden or geriatric patients, or others with chronic constipation, bnlk-forming laxatives remain the first line of treatment, but the use of more potent laxatives may be required relatively frequently. Fiber shonld be avoided in bedridden patients who are cognitively impaired. When other than bulk-forming laxatives are used, they should be administered in the lowest effective dose and as infreqnently as possible to maintain regular bowel function (more than three stools per week). Agents that may be used in these situations inclnde diphenylmethane and anthraquinone derivatives, milk of magnesia, and sorbitol or lacmlose. Mineral oil should be avoided. 

This and other nonabsorbable sugars such as sorbitol and mannitol are hydrolyzed in the colon to short-chain fatty acids, which stimulate colonic propulsive motility by osmotically drawing water into the lumen. Sorbitol and lactulose are equally efficacious in the treatment of constipation caused by opioids and vincristine, of constipation in the elderly, and of idiopathic chronic constipation. They are available as 70% solutions, which are given in doses of 15 to 30 mL at night, with increases as needed up to 60 mL per day in divided doses. Effects may not be seen for 24 to 48 hours rafter dosing is begun. Abdominal discomfort or distention and flatulence are relatively common in the first few days of treatment but usually subside with continued administration. A few patients dislike the sweet taste of the preparations dilution with water or administering the preparation with fruit juice can mask the taste. 

Charcoal is usually administered with a cathartic such as sodium sul e (250 mg/kg body weight orally) or 70% sorbitol (3 ml/kg body weight orally). This combination hastens removal of the toxicant-charcoal complex and helps prevent the constipation that can occur from the charcoal. 

The answer is 5 /If B 3 c (2)J. Sorbitol acts as an osmotic cathartic by attracting water to the intestinal lumen. Overuse may result in excessive Intestinal fluids and diarrhea. The use of sorbitol speeds the passage of gastroirv testinal contents and toxicarTts adsorbed to charcoal, thus removing them from the intestine rapidly and helping to prevent the constipation that may be caused by oral charcoal. 

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