
Glycerin suppositories are a type of laxative used to treat occasional constipation. They are designed for rectal use and work by irritating the intestinal lining, causing the body to eject the irritant (liquid glycerin) and stimulating a bowel movement. This type of laxative is known as a hyperosmotic or osmotic laxative, which draws water into the intestines, softening stools and making them easier to pass. Glycerin suppositories are typically torpedo-shaped solids that include inactive ingredients and electrolytes in addition to glycerin. They are available from generic brands and nationally-known manufacturers, such as G&W Laboratories, Walgreens, and CVS. While glycerin suppositories are generally safe for adults, they may cause side effects such as rectal discomfort, burning, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhoea. It is important to follow the directions on the product package or consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type | Hyperosmotic laxative |
Use | Relieves occasional constipation |
How it works | Draws water into the intestines |
Time taken to work | 15-60 minutes |
Frequency of use | Once per day |
Form | Suppository |
Dosage | One suppository |
Insertion method | Insert torpedo-shaped suppository into rectum, pointed end first |
Insertion position | Lie on left side with right knee slightly bent |
Post-insertion position | Stay lying down for 15-20 minutes |
Side effects | Rectal irritation/burning, abdominal discomfort/cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, gas, anal irritation, hives, swelling of the tongue, face or lips, chest tightness, rectal bleeding |
What You'll Learn
Glycerin suppositories are used to treat constipation
Glycerin suppositories are usually used to treat occasional constipation. They can also be used to empty and cleanse the bowels before a rectal examination or other medical procedure involving the intestines. The product is available in generic brands and from nationally-known manufacturers, such as G&W Laboratories, Walgreens, Fleet, Pedia-Lax, CVS, and Colace.
To use a glycerin suppository, follow the instructions on the package or those provided by your doctor. Before and after use, be sure to wash your hands. If the suppository is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or run cold water over it before removing the foil wrapper. If desired, the suppository may be moistened with lukewarm water, but do not use petroleum jelly or mineral oil, as this may reduce its effectiveness.
To insert the suppository, lie on your left side with your right knee slightly bent. Gently insert the suppository well up into the rectum, pointed end first. Stay in this position for 15 to 20 minutes, or until you feel a strong urge to have a bowel movement. The suppository does not need to melt completely to be effective.
Glycerin suppositories are not recommended for children under five years old, as they may perceive their use as a method of punishment, leading to a negative cycle of constipation. They are also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as studies have shown negative effects on fetuses in animals, and it is unknown if they can be passed through breast milk.
Glycerin suppositories can cause side effects such as gas, a burning sensation, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, anal irritation, and nausea. If you experience difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the tongue, face, or lips, rectal bleeding, or chest tightness, seek immediate medical advice.
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They are also used to empty bowels before a rectal examination
Glycerin is a laxative that can be used to empty the bowels before a rectal examination. It is a hyperosmotic laxative that draws water into the intestines, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. This usually results in a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes.
Glycerin suppositories are typically used for this purpose. They are torpedo-shaped solids that are inserted into the rectum. It is important to follow the directions on the product package or the instructions provided by a doctor. Before using the suppository, wash your hands and, if necessary, remove the foil wrapper. If the suppository is too soft, it can be chilled in the refrigerator or run under cold water. The suppository can be moistened with lukewarm water, but it is important to avoid using petroleum jelly or mineral oil, as this may reduce its effectiveness.
To insert the suppository, lie on your left side with your right knee slightly bent. Gently insert the suppository into the rectum, pointed end first, using your finger. Stay in this position for 15 to 20 minutes, or until you feel the urge to have a bowel movement. It is not necessary for the suppository to melt completely for it to be effective.
It is important to note that glycerin suppositories should be used with caution in children. Young children, especially those under five, may perceive the use of suppositories as a form of punishment, which can lead to withholding of stool and worsening constipation. Additionally, children's bodies tend to react more strongly to the irritating and stimulating effects of glycerin.
Glycerin suppositories are also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as they have been shown to have negative effects on fetuses in animal studies.
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They work by drawing water into the intestines
Glycerin suppositories are used to treat occasional constipation. They are designed to be used rectally and are typically torpedo-shaped solids. They belong to a class of drugs known as hyperosmotic laxatives, which work by drawing water into the intestines, making it easier for stools to move through the intestinal tract. This usually results in a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes.
To use glycerin suppositories effectively, it is important to follow the directions on the product package or use them as directed by a doctor. Before use, wash your hands and remove the foil wrapper from the suppository. If the suppository is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or run cold water over it. The suppository can be moistened with lukewarm water, but avoid using petroleum jelly or mineral oil as this may reduce its effectiveness.
To insert the suppository, lie on your left side with your right knee slightly bent. Using your finger, gently insert the suppository well up into the rectum, pointed end first. Stay in this position for 15 to 20 minutes, if possible, until you feel a strong urge to have a bowel movement. The suppository does not need to melt completely to be effective. For children, have them lie on their side with the lower leg straightened and the upper leg bent towards the stomach. Gently insert the suppository and hold the buttocks together for a few seconds to prevent it from coming out.
It is important not to use glycerin suppositories more than once daily unless directed by a doctor. Overuse of this product may lead to loss of normal bowel function and laxative dependence. Consult your doctor if you do not have a bowel movement after using the suppository or if you experience any side effects such as rectal irritation, abdominal discomfort, or mucus in the stool.
Glycerin suppositories are generally safe for adults, but they are not recommended for children under five years of age as they may perceive the use of suppositories as a method of punishment. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before using glycerin suppositories, as there may be potential risks involved.
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They are for rectal use only
Glycerin suppositories are for rectal use only. They are torpedo-shaped solids that are inserted into the rectum to relieve constipation. They are not to be swallowed.
To use a glycerin suppository, first, wash your hands. If the suppository is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or run cold water over it. You can also remove the foil wrapper and, if desired, moisten the suppository with lukewarm water. Do not use petroleum jelly or mineral oil, as these may cause the product to be less effective.
Next, lie on your left side with your right knee slightly bent. Using your finger, gently insert the suppository well up into the rectum, pointed end first. Stay in this position for 15 to 20 minutes, if possible, until you feel a strong urge to have a bowel movement. The suppository does not need to melt completely to produce an effect.
If you are helping a child use the suppository, have them lie on their side with their lower leg straightened out and their upper leg bent towards their stomach. Gently insert the suppository into the rectum, pointed end first, and hold the buttocks together for a few seconds. Have the child remain lying down for 15 to 20 minutes if possible to prevent the suppository from coming out.
Glycerin suppositories should not be used more than once daily unless otherwise directed by a doctor. Overuse may lead to an inability to have a bowel movement without the product and other symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, decreased weight, or weakness.
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They should not be used more than once daily
Glycerin suppositories are intended for rectal use only and should not be used more than once daily unless otherwise directed by a doctor. Overuse of glycerin suppositories can lead to laxative dependence, causing the body to be unable to have a bowel movement without the product. This can result in a loss of normal bowel function.
Symptoms of overuse include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, decreased weight, and weakness. If you experience any of these side effects, you should consult your doctor promptly. It is important to follow the directions on the product package or use the product as directed by a doctor.
Glycerin suppositories are typically used to treat occasional constipation in adults. They are not recommended for children under five years of age, as they may perceive their parents' use of suppositories as punishment for not having a bowel movement, leading to a cycle of worsening constipation. Additionally, children's bodies tend to react more strongly to the irritating and stimulating effects of glycerin suppositories.
Glycerin suppositories are also used to empty and cleanse the bowels before a rectal examination or other medical procedures involving the intestines. However, this use is less common than treating constipation.
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