Can Sorbitol Treat Constipation?

Nowadays, many people have problems with constipation, and constipation will make people's skin become rougher and rougher, which has a great impact on people's health, so everyone is also paying attention to how to make their bowel movements smoother. Sorbitol is a natural sugar alcohol that exists in a variety of fruits, such as white grapes various berries, cherries, plums, pears, apples, etc. It also exists in green peppers, sharp peppers/screw peppers, and shredded coconut stuffing. Sorbitol, as an osmotic laxative, is widely used in the treatment of functional constipation. Why does sorbitol treat constipation? Who is it suitable for? Who is it not suitable for? Can special groups take it? How to take it? What are the adverse reactions? What are the precautions when taking it? Please read on:

Why does sorbitol treat constipation?

Sorbitol is an osmotic laxative. Sorbitol is an isomer of mannitol, which is another sugar alcohol. The two sugar alcohols only differ in the direction of the hydroxyl group on carbon 2. Although similar, these two sugar alcohols are very different in their properties, melting points, and uses.

Sorbitol is widely used in the medical field and can be taken orally or as an enema as a laxative. Its osmotic effect is to absorb water into the large intestine and stimulate intestinal peristalsis to prevent constipation and promote defecation.

The use of sorbitol in bowel preparation before colonoscopy in patients with functional constipation is significantly more effective than mannitol and senna. The method is simple, economical, safe, well tolerated by patients, and easier to accept. It is worthy of clinical promotion.

Who is sorbitol suitable for?

1. Patients with functional constipation;

2. People with functional constipation who need bowel preparation before colonoscopy;

3. Patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome;

4. People with indigestion.

Who is not suitable for sorbitol?

Organic constipation (such as intestinal obstruction, intestinal tumors, etc.) and those allergic to sorbitol.

Can special groups of people take sorbitol?

It should be noted that excessive application of sorbitol can cause electrolyte imbalance. For special groups, such as pregnant women, children, patients with reduced renal function, cardiopulmonary insufficiency, and diabetes, more attention should be paid when using it.

How to take sorbitol?

For people with constipation: 6g once a night, mixed with boiled water before going to bed.

For intestinal preparation before colonoscopy in patients with functional constipation: dissolve 60g of sorbitol into 300ml of warm water 4 to 5 hours before the examination, drink it within 15 minutes, then drink 2,000ml of warm water, and drink it within 30 minutes .

For people with indigestion: 2 to 4g each time, 3 times a day, orally.

What are the adverse reactions?

Common adverse reactions are nausea, and rare adverse reactions include cramping pain, diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Long-term medication can cause loss of defecation reflex.

What are the precautions when taking sorbitol?

The tolerance of sorbitol varies with the individual's constitution. It is not advisable to take too much when first taking it. The dosage can be flexibly adjusted according to the frequency of defecation characteristics. Drink more water after taking the medicine.

It can only be used short-term and should not exceed one week. Long-term use may easily lead to dependence. If rectal bleeding occurs or constipation is not relieved, the medication needs to be stopped.

Due to osmosis, adverse reactions such as diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance may occur. For the above situation, it is recommended to drink more drinks containing electrolytes to help replenish the lost potassium and sodium ions.