sorbitol

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

sorbitol is approximately 60% as sweet as sucrose. Various products, including sugar-free candies, chewing gum, beverages, and baked goods, use it to add sweetness. 

sorbitol has hygroscopic properties, which means it can draw in and hold moisture. As a bulking agent, sorbitol can give food products more volume and texture. 

IR spectroscopy measures the absorption of infrared radiation by the sample, providing information about its functional groups and molecular structure. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Edema 

Abdominal discomfort 

Xerostomia 

Dehydration  

Dry mouth 

Vomiting 

Nausea 

Fluid and electrolyte losses 

Lactic acidosis 

Diarrhea 

Hyperglycemia 

Excessive bowel activity 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• People who have a known sorbitol allergy or hypersensitivity should refrain from using it. 

Caution: 

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and other intestinal problems may worsen by sorbitol’s laxative effects. 
• sorbitol is metabolized in the body to fructose, so individuals with hereditary fructose intolerance should avoid sorbitol consumption. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: C 

Lactation: Advise to use cautiously as excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

sorbitol has pharmacological properties that are primarily focused on its use as a humectant and sweetener.  

sorbitol also has osmotic properties that have the potential to have laxative effects. This higher water content encourages bowel movements. 

Pharmacodynamics 

sorbitol works as an osmotic agent in the colon, drawing water through osmosis into the intestinal lumen to raise the water content of the bowel.  

The osmotic impact softens the stool and encourages bowel movement, making sorbitol beneficial as an osmotic laxative for treating constipation. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

Through passive diffusion, sorbitol is absorbed in the small intestine. It is not completely absorbed and reaches the colon. 

Distribution 

sorbitol is distributed throughout the body’s water compartments. It can draw water into the colon as a result of its osmotic properties, increasing the water content of the intestinal lumen. 

Metabolism 

The body uses the enzyme sorbitol dehydrogenase to convert sorbitol to fructose. Through typical metabolic pathways for carbohydrates, fructose is further processed. 

Elimination and excretion 

sorbitol and its metabolite, fructose, are primarily excreted in the urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration  

sorbitol can be administered orally and is commonly available in various forms for consumption.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: sorbitol 

Why do we use sorbitol? 

In a variety of food and beverage products, sorbitol is frequently used as a sugar substitute and sweetening agent.   

A humectant and sweetener, sorbitol is utilised in medicinal compositions.   

As an osmotic laxative, sorbitol has medical uses. It softens the feces and draws water into the intestines to treat constipation.