Arlex Side Effects
Generic name: sorbitol
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 15, 2024.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Arlex Side Effects associated with sorbitol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Arlex.
Applies to sorbitol: oral solution.
Other dosage forms:
Serious side effects of Arlex
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe diarrhea.
- Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
- Very bad belly pain.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
Other side effects of Arlex
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Stomach pain or heartburn.
- Stomach cramps.
- Gas.
- Upset stomach.
- Diarrhea.
- Rectal irritation.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
For healthcare professionals
Applies to sorbitol: compounding powder, irrigation solution, oral liquid, rectal enema.
Gastrointestinal adverse events
Gastrointestinal side effects have included sudden severe abdominal bloating, abdominal cramping, vomiting, and osmotic diarrhea.[Ref]
Metabolic
Metabolic side effects have included reports of hypernatremia. These reports have primarily been associated with multiple administrations of activated charcoal sorbitol (the active ingredient contained in Arlex) preparations.[Ref]
One case study describes a 37-year-old patient who presented with phencyclidine intoxication. The patient was given four doses of activated charcoal in sorbitol and 1 dose of magnesium citrate over a 12-hour period of time. Lab results showed an increase in the serum sodium from 138 mmol/L to 165 mmol/L. The hypernatremia continued to worsen after the magnesium citrate was discontinued. It was felt that the increase was due to the repeated sorbitol administration. Other adult cases of hypernatremia secondary to activated charcoal-sorbitol regimens have been reported in the literature.[Ref]
References
1. Henley E (1997) "Sorbitol-based elixirs, diarrhea and enteral tube feeding [letter]." Am Fam Physician, 55, 2084,2086
2. Johnston KR, Govel LA, Andritz MH (1994) "Gastrointestinal effects of sorbitol as an additive in liquid medications." Am J Med, 97, p. 185-91
3. Kneepkens CM, Hoekstra JH (1993) "Fruit juice and chronic nonspecific diarrhea [letter; comment]." J Pediatr, 122, p. 499
4. Breitenbach RA (1992) "'Halloween diarrhea'. An unexpected trick of sorbitol-containing candy." Postgrad Med, 92, p. 63-6
5. Jessen LM, Barone JA (1992) "Ready-mix charcoal/sorbitol [letter; comment]." Ann Emerg Med, 21, p. 110-1
6. McNamara RM, Aaron CK, Gemborys M, Davidheiser S (1988) "Sorbitol catharsis does not enhance efficacy of charcoal in a simulated acetaminophen overdose." Ann Emerg Med, 17, p. 243-6
7. Krenzelok E (1987) "Sorbitol--a safe and effective cathartic [letter]." Ann Emerg Med, 16, p. 729-30
8. Wax PM, Wang RY, Hoffman RS, Mercurio M, Howland MA, Goldfrank LR (1993) "Prevalence of sorbitol in multiple-dose activated charcoal regimens in emergency departments." Ann Emerg Med, 22, p. 1807-12
9. Payne ML, Craig WJ, Williams AC (1997) "Sorbitol is a possible risk factor for diarrhea in young children [published erratum appears in J Am Diet Assoc 1997 Oct;97(10):1090." J Am Diet Assoc, 97, p. 532-4
10. James LP, Nichols MH, King WD (1995) "A comparison of cathartics in pediatric ingestions." Pediatrics, 96, p. 235-8
More about Arlex (sorbitol)
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Further information
Arlex side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.