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Glycerin (rectal)

Generic name: glycerin (rectal) [ GLISS-er-in ]
Brand names: Avedana Glycerin Suppositories Adult, Fleet Glycerin Suppositories Adult, Fleet Glycerin Suppositories Pediatric, Fleet Liquid Glycerin Suppositories, Pedia-Lax Liquid, ... show all 23 brands
Dosage forms: rectal enema (infant), rectal suppository (adult 2 g; adult 2.1 g; adult 3 g; adult 5.4 g; infant; pediatric 1 g; pediatric 1.2 g)
Drug class: Laxatives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 8, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is glycerin rectal?

Glycerin rectal is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation or irregular bowel movements.

Glycerin rectal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Glycerin rectal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Glycerin rectal may cause serious side effects. Stop using glycerin rectal and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of glycerin may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on the label and package. Use exactly as directed. Tell your healthcare provider if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use glycerin rectal if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if glycerin is safe to use if you have or have ever had:

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Certain brands of glycerin rectal should not be used in children.

How should I use glycerin rectal?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use this medicine more often than prescribed.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Glycerin rectal is generally used once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not take by mouth. Rectal medicine is for use only on your rectum.

Wash your hands before and after using rectal medicine.

Remove the wrapper before inserting a suppository.

Lie on your back with your knees bent. Gently insert the suppository into your rectum about 1 inch, pointed tip first.

Stay lying down for a few minutes. You may feel some discomfort or a burning sensation while the suppository melts. The suppository need not to melt completely to produce a laxative effect.

To use the liquid suppository, lie on your left side with your left leg straight and your right leg bent. Remove the cap from the applicator tip and gently insert the tip into your rectum. Slowly squeeze the bottle until it is empty. Stay lying down on your side for a few minutes.

Make sure to stay lying down until you feel the urge to have a bowel movement. This medicine should produce a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes.

Do not use glycerin rectal more than once in a 24-hour period.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store this medicine tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Glycerin dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation:

Hyperosmotic laxatives should be used infrequently in single doses.

Liquid suppositories: 5.6 g rectally once
Suppositories: 2 to 3 g rectally once

Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation:

Hyperosmotic laxatives should be used infrequently in single doses.

Liquid suppositories:
2 to less than 6 years: 2.3 g rectally once
6 years or older: 5.6 g rectally once

Suppositories:
2 to less than 6 years: 1 to 1.7 g rectally once
6 years or older: 2 to 3 g rectally once

What happens if I miss a dose?

Glycerin rectal is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

What should I avoid while using glycerin rectal?

Avoid using other laxatives in combination with glycerin rectal unless your doctor has told you to.

What other drugs will affect glycerin rectal?

Other drugs may affect glycerin rectal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.