Glycerin Suppositories Against Constipation

Glycerin suppositories are often used for temporary and sporadic constipation in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age. Find out everything you should know about it today. 

Glycerin suppositories  are used for occasional constipation because they work quickly and directly. The active ingredient glycerine (glycerol) makes the stool smoother and relieves constipation, but does not interfere directly with natural digestion. Find out more about it today.

How do glycerin suppositories work?

Suppositories with the active ingredient glycerine are characterized by two different mechanisms of action:

• They irritate the mucous membranes in the rectum,  but do not affect the intestinal walls. This effect causes the rectum to contract, which promotes bowel movements.
• Osmotic effect: Glycerol absorbs water and makes the stool softer and easier to slide. It can be transported away more easily.

The effect of glycerin suppositories is noticeable after approximately 15 minutes to an hour after administration. Virtually all of the glycerol is excreted with the stool.

Glycerin suppositories: indications

The use of glycerin suppositories is recommended for  occasional constipation.

What is constipation

In general, constipation occurs when  the frequency of bowel movements is less than three times a week. The stool is hard, it can only be emptied by strong pressure, and there is often pain.

• Occasional constipation: Due to a change in diet, too little water, lack of exercise, certain medications or stressful situations.

• Chronic constipation:  if constipation lasts for more than three months.

Chronic constipation can have the same causes as occasional constipation, but it lasts for a long time. However, it could also be due to indigestion and certain illnesses.

Do glycerin suppositories have side effects?

If you use glycerin suppositories too often or for long periods, this could lead to irritable bowel syndrome. In some cases, this can also cause symptoms such as itching, burning, and irritation in the rectal area.

The use of suppositories with glycerin is contraindicated in case of  allergy to glycerol. You also have to avoid it if you have hemorrhoids, symptoms of intestinal obstruction, appendicitis or other intestinal diseases.

What are the advantages of suppositories with glycerin?

The main advantages of this drug are:

• Effective effect on occasional constipation
• Fast action
• Local effect

In general, the recommended dose for adults is one suppository per day. You shouldn’t do the treatment for more than 6 to 7 days.

Contraindications

Glycerin suppositories have the following contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to substances contained in it
• Changes in gastrointestinal transit: In some cases, there may be a disorder in the intestinal transit , for example an intestinal obstruction.

• Abdominal pain of unknown origin:  If you have abdominal pain but the causes are not clear, you should not use glycerin suppositories without first consulting your doctor. The use of laxatives in this case can hide an as yet unknown disease.

In addition, glycerin suppositories should not be given if there are diseases in which stimulation of the intestinal peristalsis could be dangerous.

Glycerin suppositories are only a temporary solution

The use of suppositories with glycerin allows the temporary treatment of constipation in a quick and direct way. Before you resort to this help, however, you should change your lifestyle. Remember that the suppositories are not a solution to the cause, they only treat the symptoms. Therefore, always get a medical examination and advice!