Glycerin
( Glycerol ) Pronouncation: (GLIH-suh-rin)Class: Hyperosmotic, Osmotic diuretic, Ophthalmic
Trade Names:
Colace
- Suppositories glycerin
Trade Names:
Fleet Babylax
- Liquid 4 mL/applicator
Trade Names:
Ophthalgan
- Solution (ophthalmic) glycerin
Trade Names:
Osmoglyn
- Solution 50% (0.6 g glycerin/mL)
Trade Names:
Sani-Supp
- Suppositories glycerin
Pharmacology
Reduces IOP by creating osmotic gradient between plasma and ocular fluids (oral form). Promotes bowel evacuation by local irritation and hyperosmotic actions (rectal form). Reduces edema and clears corneal haze by attracting water through semipermeable corneal epithelium (ophthalmic form).
Pharmacokinetics
Elimination
Eliminated by the kidneys.
Indications and Usage
OralControl of acute attack of glaucoma; reduction of IOP prior to and after ocular surgery.
RectalShort-term treatment of constipation; to evacuate the colon for rectal and bowel examinations.
OphthalmicClearance of edematous corneas to facilitate ophthalmoscopic and gonioscopic examination in acute glaucoma, bullous keratitis, and Fuchs endothelial dystrophy.
Unlabeled Uses
Reduction of IOP and intracranial pressure via special IV preparations.
Contraindications
Oral formAnuria, severe dehydration, frank or impending acute pulmonary edema, severe cardiac decompensation.
Rectal formsNausea, vomiting, acute surgical abdomen, fecal impaction, intestinal obstruction, undiagnosed abdominal pain.
Dosage and Administration
AdultsPO 1 to 2 g/kg 1 to 90 min prior to surgery. PR Insert 1 suppository (3 g) or 5 to 15 mL as rectal enema and retain 15 min. Topical 1 to 2 gtt instilled in eye(s) prior to examination.
Children older than 6 yr of agePR Same as adults.
Children 2 to 6 yr of agePR 1 to 1.5 g suppository or 2 to 5 mL as rectal enema.
Children younger than 2 yr of ageUse only on advice of health care provider.
General Advice
- Administer 50% oral solution with sodium chloride 0.9% flavored with orange, lemon, or lime juice or administer commercially prepared 50% or 75% flavored solution.
- Administer suppository high in rectum with patient lying on side; encourage patient to retain suppository in rectum for at least 15 min.
- To administer rectal liquid, have patient lie on left side, insert stem of applicator into rectum with tip pointing toward navel, squeeze unit until nearly all liquid has been dispensed, and remove applicator. Small amount of liquid may remain in unit.
- Ophthalmic solution may cause burning sensation in eye. Administer local anesthetic before instillation of drug.
Storage/Stability
Store suppositories in cool location, but do not freeze. Other formulations may be stored at room temperature.
Drug Interactions
None well documented.
Laboratory Test Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
Cardiovascular
Arrhythmias.
CNS
Headache; confusion; disorientation; weakness; dizziness; fainting.
Dermatologic
Rectal form: Perianal irritation; sweating.
EENT
Ophthalmic solution: Ocular pain and irritation.
GI
Nausea; vomiting. Rectal form: Excessive bowel activity; abdominal cramps; bloating; flatulence.
Metabolic
Dehydration; hyperosmolar nonketotic coma.
Precautions
Pregnancy
Category C .
Lactation
Undetermined.
Children
Do not administer enemas or suppositories to children younger than 2 yr of age. Safety and efficacy of other forms undetermined.
Elderly
Use with caution.
Special Risk Patients
Use oral form with caution in patients with hypovolemia, confused mental states, CHF, diabetes mellitus, and severe dehydration.
Patient Information
- Inform patient of need to maintain supine position after administration of oral form of drug.
- With rectal form, advise patient about dangers associated with long-term laxative use. Instruct patient in alternative measures to encourage bowel movements (eg, increase fluid intake, increase intake of dietary fiber, increase activity). Instruct patient to avoid laxative use in presence of abdominal pain, vomiting, or nausea.
| Link to this page |  |
Printable Version |  |
Email Page |  |
Add to my drug list |
