What is glycerin (rectal)?
Glycerin rectal is used as a laxative. It works by causing the intestines to hold more
water, which softens the stool.
Glycerin rectal is used to treat constipation or to cleanse the bowel before a rectal exam or
other intestinal procedure.
Glycerin rectal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking glycerin (rectal)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to glycerin.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely
use this medication. Before using glycerin rectal, tell your doctor if you have:
-
nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain;
-
rectal bleeding;
-
a change in bowel habits that has lasted for 2 weeks or
longer;
-
intestinal blockage;
-
ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon; or
-
if you have used another laxative for longer than 1 week.
It is not known whether glycerin rectal is harmful to an unborn
baby when used during pregnancy. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are
pregnant.
Do not use this medication in a child younger than 2 years old. Seek your doctor's
advice when using glycerin rectal in a child who is 2 to 5 years old.
How should I take glycerin (rectal)?
Do not take glycerin rectal by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do
not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not use glycerin rectal more than once in a 24-hour period.
This medication comes with patient instructions for using either the rectal suppository or
the rectal enema. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have
any questions.
Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the glycerin suppository or enema.
Remove the outer wrapper from the
rectal suppository
before inserting
it. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.
You may wet the suppository first with a small amount of water to make it easier to insert.
Gently insert the suppository into the rectum, pointed tip first. The suppository will begin to
melt once inserted and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in.
You should have a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes after using the suppository.
To use the
rectal enema
or
liquid suppository
,
remove the protective cap and gently insert the tip of the applicator or bulb syringe into the
rectum. Do not force the applicator into the rectum or injury could result. Slowly squeeze the
bottle to place the medicine into the rectum. You do not need to empty the bottle completely and
there may be a small amount of liquid left in the bottle after use.
For best results after using glycerin rectal, stay lying down until you feel the urge to have
a bowel movement.
Call your doctor if this medication does not cause you to have a bowel movement
within 1 hour after use.
Store the rectal enema at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Store the rectal suppositories at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Do not refrigerate them unless directed on the medicine label.
What happens if I miss a dose of glycerin (rectal)?
Since this medication is usually given only once as needed, you will not be on a dosing
schedule. Do not use glycerin rectal more than once in a 24-hour period.
Where can I get more information about glycerin (rectal)?
Your pharmacist has information about glycerin (rectal) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of glycerin (rectal)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using glycerin rectal and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side
effect such as:
-
severe stomach pain or cramping
-
bloody diarrhea; or
-
severe rectal pain, bleeding, or irritation.
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about glycerin (rectal)?
Before using glycerin rectal, tell your doctor if you have nausea, vomiting, stomach pain,
rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits that has lasted for 2 weeks or longer, toxic megacolon,
or if you have used another laxative for longer than 1 week.
Do not take glycerin rectal by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.
Call your doctor if this medication does not cause you to have a bowel movement
within 1 hour after use.
Do not use glycerin rectal more than once in a 24-hour period. Do not use other
laxatives in combination with glycerin rectal unless your doctor has told you to.
Stop using glycerin rectal and call your doctor at once if you have severe stomach
pain or cramping, bloody diarrhea, or severe rectal pain, bleeding, or irritation.
What should I avoid while taking 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)?
There may be other drugs that can interact with glycerin rectal. Tell your doctor about all
your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and
drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of glycerin (rectal)?
