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Glycerin suppositories
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Glycerin suppositories are a medical form of medication that is used for rectal administration. They consist of glycerin as the active ingredient and a base, usually a gel formulation, that melts at body temperature to allow easy insertion into the rectum.
Glycerin suppositories have various medical uses:
- Stimulating bowel movements: Glycerin has a mild laxative effect, so suppositories are used to help relieve constipation by stimulating intestinal peristalsis and softening the stool.
- Stool softeners: Glycerin has hygroscopic properties, which means it has the ability to attract water. Therefore, suppositories can also be used to moisten and soften stools, making the process of defecation easier.
- Preparing for Medical Procedures: Sometimes glycerin suppositories are used as part of the bowel cleansing process before medical procedures such as a colonoscopy.
Glycerin suppositories are usually available over the counter and can be used on your own to relieve temporary bowel problems such as constipation. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor before use, especially if you have any medical problems or are taking medications.
ATC classification
Active ingredients
Pharmacological group
Pharmachologic effect
Indications glycerin suppositories
- Constipation: Glycerin suppositories help stimulate intestinal peristalsis and moisten stool, facilitating the process of defecation and softening the stool. They are widely used for temporary relief of constipation in children and adults.
- Preparing for medical procedures: Sometimes glycerin suppositories are used to prepare for medical procedures such as a colonoscopy to ensure a clear bowel lumen.
- For anal itching: Sometimes glycerin suppositories may be used to relieve anal itching and discomfort associated with various conditions such as hemorrhoids.
- Establishing an intermediate contact for therapeutic substances: Glycerin suppositories can also be used to introduce other medicinal products into the rectum.
Release form
Glycerin suppositories are a medical preparation that is used to gently cleanse the intestines, relieve constipation, or prepare for medical procedures such as a rectal examination or colonoscopy. These suppositories are in the form of a solid insertion for rectal use.
The method of using glycerin suppositories usually includes the following steps:
- Place the suppository into the rectum. Many people prefer to do this while lying on their side with their knees bent.
- Keep the suppository in the intestines as long as possible to allow the glycerin to work.
- Usually, the effect begins shortly after the suppository is inserted.
Pharmacodynamics
- Osmotic action: Glycerin has an osmotic property, which means it has the ability to attract water to itself. When a glycerin suppository is inserted into the rectum, the glycerin attracts water from the rectal mucosa and surrounding tissues, which helps soften the stool and make it easier to pass through the intestines.
- Mild laxative effect: Glycerin suppositories gently stimulate intestinal peristalsis due to their osmotic effect, which promotes the natural process of defecation.
- Fast acting: Glycerin suppositories usually begin to work within minutes of insertion, making them effective in relieving constipation.
- Lack of force: Glycerin suppositories act gently and do not irritate the rectal mucosa. They usually do not cause a strong desire to defecate and do not lead to the development of intestinal laziness.
- Safety: Glycerin suppositories are generally considered safe to use and can be used even by children and pregnant women.
Pharmacokinetics
Glycerin suppositories are rectangular or cone-shaped medications that are used to treat constipation and soften stool. Glycerin, the main active ingredient, has a laxative and laxative effect, helping to stimulate intestinal peristalsis and moisten stool, making it soft and easy to pass.
Drug interactions for glycerin suppositories are generally limited to the possibility of using other medications concurrently with glycerin to treat other conditions. Because glycerin suppositories are administered directly into the rectum and are not generally absorbed into the bloodstream, their systemic drug interactions are not as important as those of drugs taken orally.
Dosing and administration
The method of administration and dosage of glycerin suppositories may vary depending on individual needs and your doctor's recommendations. Here are general guidelines:
Directions for use:
- Place the suppository into the rectum.
- Keep it in the intestines as long as possible to allow the glycerin to work.
- Typically, the suppository begins to work a short time after insertion.
Dosage: The dosage of glycerin suppositories is usually 1 suppository (1 g) once a day for adults and children over 12 years old. For children aged 2 to 12 years, the dosage may be half a suppository (0.5 g) once a day.
Use glycerin suppositories during pregnancy
Glycerin suppositories are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, as glycerin is a relatively mild laxative. However, as with any medication during pregnancy, it is important to exercise caution and consult your doctor before use. Your doctor can make recommendations regarding dosage and duration of use based on your individual needs and pregnancy circumstances.
Contraindications
- Allergy or intolerance to glycerin: People with a known allergy or intolerance to glycerin should avoid using glycerin suppositories.
- Inflammation of the rectum or anus: If you have inflammation of the rectum or anus, using glycerin suppositories may cause additional irritation and discomfort.
- Condition after surgery in the rectum: In some cases, after surgery in the rectum, the use of suppositories may be contraindicated. In such cases, the possibility of use should be discussed with the doctor.
- Children under 2 years: Glycerin suppositories are not recommended for use in children under 2 years of age without first consulting a doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is limited safety information on glycerin suppositories during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so their use requires consultation with a doctor.
- Conditions requiring more serious treatment: If constipation is part of a more serious condition, such as acute intestinal disease or intestinal obstruction, glycerin suppositories may be ineffective and even contraindicated. In such cases, a visit to a physician for evaluation and treatment is required.
Side effects glycerin suppositories
- Anal irritation: Some people may experience temporary irritation or discomfort in the anal area due to insertion of the suppository.
- Increased skin sensitivity: It is possible that the skin around the anus will become more sensitive due to the effects of glycerin.
- Allergic reactions: Rarely, people may experience allergic reactions to the components of glycerin suppositories, which may manifest as itching, rash, or skin redness.
- Change in stool: Sometimes glycerin suppositories may cause a temporary change in stool consistency, especially if used frequently or in large doses.
- Possible increase in blood pressure: In rare cases, the use of glycerin suppositories may lead to a short-term increase in blood pressure.
Overdose
- Local irritation: If too much glycerin suppository is inserted, irritation and discomfort in the rectal area may occur.
- Diarrhea: Using too many suppositories may result in overstimulation of intestinal motility and the development of diarrhea.
- Dehydration: Excessive diarrhea can cause dehydration due to loss of fluid and electrolytes.
- Electrolyte disturbances: Prolonged and excessive diarrhea may cause electrolyte imbalances in the body.
- Potential Effects on Children and Pregnant Women: Children and pregnant women may be at increased risk of developing adverse effects from overdosing on glycerin suppositories.
Interactions with other drugs
Glycerin suppositories do not usually interact with other drugs, as their action is limited mainly to local effects on the rectum and does not usually lead to systemic effects.
Storage conditions
Glycerin suppositories should generally be stored in a cool, dry place at temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. They should also be protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat to prevent them from melting or deforming. More specific storage instructions may be provided on the packaging or in the instructions for use of the drug, so it is important to read this information before storing glycerin suppositories. In addition, you should pay attention to the expiration date of the drug and do not use it after this date.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Glycerin suppositories" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.