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Active pharmaceutical ingredient

Sorbitol

Sorbitol is a versatile polyol (sugar alcohol) commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations for its humectant, sweetening, and stabilizing properties.

Compounded to order
Prescription required
Warwick, Rhode Island

About this ingredient

Sorbitol is a versatile polyol (sugar alcohol) commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations for its sweetening and humectant properties. It is often utilized in compounded medications to enhance palatability, especially in oral liquid preparations, making them more acceptable to patients, particularly children and those with difficulty swallowing tablets.

In addition to its sweetening capabilities, sorbitol acts as a stabilizer and thickening agent, contributing to the overall texture and consistency of formulations. Its non-cariogenic nature makes it a preferred choice in formulations where dental health is a concern, as it does not contribute to tooth decay.

Sorbitol is also known for its osmotic laxative properties, which can be beneficial in formulations aimed at alleviating constipation. This characteristic is due to its ability to draw water into the large intestine, promoting bowel movements. However, it is important for prescribers to consider the potential for gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals when recommending sorbitol-containing products.

Furthermore, sorbitol is metabolized slowly by the body, making it a suitable ingredient for diabetic patients as it has a lower impact on blood glucose levels compared to regular sugars. This makes it an ideal component in formulations designed for patients requiring sugar-free or low-sugar options.

Available formulations

Compounded formulations containing this ingredient

Each of these is compounded to order at our Warwick, Rhode Island pharmacy and requires a prescription.

We do not have a patient page for this ingredient yet. That does not mean we cannot make it. Bayview compounds this ingredient to a prescriber's order, and our full compounding formulary lists every preparation we make. Viewing the formulary requires a prescriber account.

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Compounding formulary

Formulas we compound with this ingredient

A sample of preparations from our formulary. Strengths and dose forms are customised to the prescription.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

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Related

Related active ingredients

Other salt forms of this molecule, and ingredients commonly compounded alongside it.

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Important information

This page describes an active pharmaceutical ingredient, not a finished drug product. Bayview Pharmacy compounds preparations containing it only on a prescriber's order for an individual patient.

Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. Nothing on this page is a claim that any preparation is effective for any condition.

A valid prescription is required. Availability depends on Bayview's licensure in your state. This page is general information, not medical advice — discuss your situation with a licensed healthcare provider.

Talk to a compounding pharmacist

Our pharmacists work with prescribers to build preparations around a patient's dose, form and tolerances. Ask us what is possible with this ingredient.