Glycerin dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more

Sections

Sections glycerin
Dosing & Uses
Adverse Effects
Warnings
Pregnancy
Pharmacology
Images
Patient Handout

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

suppositories

1g
1.5g
2g
2.1g
2.8g

Constipation

2-2.8 g suppository, retain 15 min, PRN constipation OR

Administration

Patient should lie on left side with knees bent

Remove protective wrap before inserting

Gently insert tip into rectum with slight side-to-side movement (tip of suppository pointing toward navel)

For liquid suppository, squeeze bulb until all liquid is expelled and discard unit

Dosage Forms & Strengths

suppositories

1g
1.5g
2g
2.1g
2.8g

Constipation

2-6 years

1-1.7 g suppository, retain 15 min, PRN constipation

>6 years

2-8 g suppository, retain 15 min, PRN constipation

Frequency Not Defined

Excessive bowel activity

Cramping pain

Rectal irritation

Tenesmus

Contraindications

GI obstruction, severe impaction

Cautions

Do not use when abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting present (unless directed by physician)

Frequent or prolonged use of laxatives may result in dependence

Rectal bleeding or failure to have bowel movement requires physician care

Contact physician before use if experience sudden change in bowel habits that last >2 wk

Do not use for longer than 1 wk

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: Data not available

Lactation: Not known whether excreted in breast milk; no risks shown to nursing infants

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Mechanism of Action

Hyperosmotic dehydrating agent; draws fluid into colon, increases osmotic pressure, and stimulates evacuation

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: 15-30 min

Absorption: Poorly absorbed

Images

Pricing & Images are not currently available for this monograph.

Patient Handout

A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.

Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.

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