Glycerin

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is an organic substance from the alcohol group. It is usually a clear, colorless, viscous liquid with no smell or taste. Glycerin is one of the simplest alcohols and has the formula C3H8O3.

Glycerin is widely used in various industries, including medicine, cosmetics, food industry, pharmaceuticals, as well as in the production of explosives, plastics, textiles and other materials.

In medicine, glycerin is used as:

• Mild laxative: Glycerin can be used as a direct laxative, usually in the form of enemas or rectal suppositories, to help relieve constipation.
• Moisturizer: Because of its ability to attract and retain water, glycerin is used in various cosmetic and medical products to moisturize the skin and mucous membranes.
• Various medical uses: Glycerin can also be used as a solvent, preservative or emollient in various medicines and cosmetics.
• Mild numbing agent: Glycerin is sometimes used as a mild numbing agent to reduce throat irritation.

It is important to remember that when using glycerin for medicinal purposes, you must follow the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist and avoid self-medication.

Indications Glycerin

1. Relieving Constipation: Glycerin can be used as a laxative to temporarily relieve constipation. It can be used as a rectal suppository or enema.
2. Skin Moisturizing: Glycerin is widely used in cosmetics and medical products to moisturize the skin. It can be used to reduce dryness, flaking, and irritation of the skin.
3. Maintaining moisture in mucous membranes: Glycerin can be used to moisturize mucous membranes, such as in cases of dry eyes or nose.
4. Excipient in medicinal products: Glycerin can be added to various medicinal products as an excipient, such as syrups or solutions.
5. Temporary throat relief: Glycerin is sometimes used as a mild numbing agent to temporarily relieve throat irritation.

Release form

Glycerin (glycerol) usually comes as a clear liquid.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Osmotic action: Glycerol has a pronounced osmotic property. When introduced into the body, glycerol is able to attract water to itself from tissues and blood vessels. This can be useful in medical practice for tissue hydration and increasing the volume of circulating blood in certain conditions, such as dehydration or hypovolemia.
2. Mild laxative effect: When glycerin is used as an enema, it can have a laxative effect. This is due to its osmotic property, which helps retain water in the intestines, resulting in softer stools and improved peristalsis.
3. Skin Moisturizing: Glycerin is used in cosmetics and medical products to moisturize the skin. It has the ability to attract moisture from the environment and retain it in the epidermis, which helps to moisturize and soften the skin.
4. Solvent action: Glycerin is a good solvent for many substances, including many medicinal and cosmetic components. This makes it a valuable ingredient in various drugs and cosmetics.
5. Food Uses: Glycerin is also used in the food industry as a sweetener and preservative. It can improve the texture of foods and increase their shelf life.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Glycerin can be absorbed through the skin, mucous membranes and the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Distribution: Once absorbed, glycerol is quickly distributed throughout the body. It can penetrate cell membranes due to its low molecular weight.
3. Metabolism: Glycerol can be metabolized in the liver to form glucose. It can participate in the processes of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis.
4. Excretion: Glycerol is excreted from the body primarily through the kidneys in the form of urea.

Dosing and administration

1. For skin moisturizing: Glycerin can be applied to the skin in its pure form or added to cosmetics such as creams, lotions or masks for the face and body. Apply to the skin in the morning and/or evening, depending on the needs of the skin.
2. As a laxative: Glycerin can be used as a laxative. It is usually taken orally as a mixture with water (usually in a 1:1 ratio) in a volume of 15 ml to 30 ml. It is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the optimal dosage and frequency of administration.
3. For gentle bowel cleansing: Glycerin suppositories can be used for gentle bowel cleansing. It is usually recommended to insert one suppository into the rectum.

Use Glycerin during pregnancy

It is important to distinguish between the different forms of glycerin use and their potential risks and benefits during pregnancy.

Glycerin in the form of laxatives:

1. Safety: Glycerin suppositories or microenemas are considered relatively safe during pregnancy because they act locally and are minimally absorbed into the systemic circulation, which reduces the potential risk to the developing fetus.
2. Uses: Glycerin suppositories can be used to relieve constipation, a common problem during pregnancy caused by hormonal changes and the physical pressure of the growing uterus on the intestines.

Glycerin in cosmetics and skin preparations:

1. Safety: Glycerin is widely used in moisturizers, lotions, and other cosmetic products, and is considered safe to use during pregnancy. It helps maintain skin moisture, preventing dryness and itching that can be worse during pregnancy due to changes in body hydration.
2. Application: Using moisturizers with glycerin can be especially helpful for pregnant women who suffer from dry skin, eczema or other skin irritations.

Contraindications

1. Individual intolerance: Some people may have an allergic reaction to glycerin or be intolerant to it. This may manifest itself in the form of a skin rash, itching, redness or other allergic symptoms.
2. Diabetes: Glycerin may cause an increase in blood glucose levels, so its use may be contraindicated in people with diabetes or requires caution and monitoring of blood sugar levels.
3. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is limited information about the safety of glycerin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so its use requires consultation with a doctor.
4. Renal failure: In patients with severe renal failure, glycerin may accumulate in the body and cause deterioration of the condition. Therefore, its use requires caution and medical supervision.
5. Liver failure: Similar to renal failure, glycerol may have effects on the liver, so its use requires caution in patients with liver failure.
6. Hypertension: Patients with hypertension should avoid taking glycerin internally without first consulting a doctor, as it may affect the sodium and water levels in the body.
7. Drug Interactions: Glycerin may interact with certain medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before using it.

Side effects Glycerin

1. Rare allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to glycerin, such as skin rash, itching, or hives.
2. Skin Irritation: Applying glycerin to the skin may cause irritation in some cases, especially if you have sensitive or damaged skin.
3. Gastrointestinal Disturbances: Ingesting glycerin may cause some gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, especially when used in large quantities or in individuals with sensitivity.
4. Hyperglycemia: Glycerin may increase blood glucose levels, so people with diabetes should be careful when consuming it.
5. Drug Interactions: In some cases, glycerin may interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult with a doctor before using glycerin, especially if the patient is taking other medications.

Overdose

1. Osmotic diuresis: When large doses of glycerol are consumed, acute plasma hypertension may occur due to the osmotic transfer of water from the cells into the blood. This may lead to increased urine production (polyuria) and increased urination (polydipsia).
2. Diarrhea: The osmotic action of glycerin can also cause diarrhea, especially in children or people with sensitive intestines.
3. Hyperactivity: Excess glycerol can cause a decrease in potassium in the body, which leads to electrolyte imbalance and possibly the development of hyperactivity.
4. Skin and mucous membrane irritation: If glycerin is introduced into the skin in large quantities or if it is used incorrectly, irritation of the skin or mucous membranes is possible.
5. Hyperglycemia: When glycerol is administered intravenously, an increase in blood glucose levels may occur, which is especially important for patients with diabetes.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Other medications: Glycerin can be used in combination with other medications in various dosage forms, such as syrups or ointments. It is important to consider the possibility of interactions between the components of these combination drugs.
2. Skin Treatments: Glycerin can be used as a moisturizing component in cosmetics and medical ointments. When used in combination with other skin preparations, their interaction should be taken into account to avoid unwanted effects.
3. Medicines for internal use: When using glycerin internally as a sweet syrup or as an additive in some medicines, it is necessary to take into account its content in other medicines to avoid excess.

Storage conditions

Glycerin is usually stored at room temperature, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It is important to avoid extreme temperatures and exposure to moisture. Bottles or containers of glycerin should be tightly sealed to prevent exposure to air, which can promote oxidation of the substance.

If glycerin is stored at low temperatures (below 15°C), it may freeze, but this will not affect its quality. If glycerin is frozen, it is recommended to allow it to thaw completely before use.

In addition, care should be taken to keep glycerin out of the reach of children or pets, as it can be dangerous, especially if ingested in large quantities.