Sorbitol

Sorbitol in Medications

Sorbitol: A Sweetener and Humectant

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used in pharmaceuticals as a sweetener, filler, and moisture-retaining agent. It can be used to improve taste and texture, especially in liquids and chewables.

What Is Sorbitol?

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used in pharmaceuticals as a sweetener, filler, and moisture-retaining agent. It can be used to improve taste and texture, especially in liquids and chewables.

Why Is Sorbitol Used in Medications?

Sorbitol is used because it:

  • Improves taste without using sucrose (sweetener)
  • Helps retain moisture and improve texture (humectant)
  • Can act as a filler in some tablets or lozenges

Ingredient Names to Look For

Sorbitol may be listed as:

  • Sorbitol
  • Sorbitol solution
  • D-glucitol

Where Does Sorbitol Appear?

It is commonly found in:

  • Chewable tablets and lozenges
  • Oral liquids and syrups
  • Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs)

How to Check a Medication’s Ingredient List

Inactive ingredients may vary between manufacturers, dosage forms, and strengths.

Use PillParser to scan a medication and view its ingredient list.





Adding the manufacturer filters generics (fillers/dyes often differ).

To keep PillParser free, anonymous scans are limited.

Understanding ingredient differences is especially important for individuals with known sensitivities. RxAllergyScan.com allows users to compare medication ingredients against their personal allergen profile.

Educational Note

This page provides educational information only and does not make medical claims.