Glycerin Suppositories: How Do They Work?

The use of glycerin suppositories is indicated to relieve temporary and occasional constipation in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age.

In general, glycerin suppositories are used as a solution to an occasional constipation problem. They are used to treat this disorder because they work quickly and directly.

Glycerol is the active ingredient in glycerin suppositories. It is a substance that exerts a laxative action when administered rectally. When a suppository is administered, the stools soften, producing a slight local irritant effect that stimulates intestinal peristalsis, and this is how suppositories treat occasional constipation.

How do glycerin suppositories work?

As we said, the effect of glycerin suppositories is due to a double mechanism of action:

• Local irritant effect in the rectal mucosa, irritation does not affect the intestinal walls. Its effect causes the rectum to contract, which promotes the expulsion of stool
• Osmotic effect: glycerol has the property of absorbing water, which, associated with its lubricating properties, softens the stools and facilitates their expulsion

The effect of glycerin suppositories is manifested from 15 minutes to an hour after its application. In addition, glycerol is not absorbed and is almost entirely eliminated with the stool.

Indications

The use of glycerin suppositories is indicated to relieve occasional constipation in adults.

What is constipation?

In general, it is referred to as constipation when the frequency of bowel movements decreases. Constipation is a symptom of decreased intestinal transit.

Constipation affects women more than men, especially women who are between 20 and 35 years old and then from 60 years old.

Depending on its duration, constipation can be classified into two types:

• Occasional: it can be caused by a change in diet and water consumption, lack of exercise, or treatment with certain medications or stressful situations
• Chronic: to consider that constipation is chronic, it must last at least 3 months

Chronic constipation can be linked to situations similar to occasional constipation but which last longer. However, in other cases, constipation is linked to digestive issues and certain illnesses.

Do glycerin suppositories have any side effects?

If you use glycerin suppositories in excess or for long periods of time, be aware that they can cause irritable bowel syndrome. You may also experience some symptoms like itching, stinging, and irritation in the rectal area.

Also, the use of glycerin suppositories is contraindicated if you are allergic to glycerol. It is also not good to use them if you have hemorrhoids, symptoms of a bowel obstruction, appendicitis, or other bowel disease.

What are the benefits of suppositories and how to use them?

There are three main benefits of using glycerin suppositories:

• Effective relief of occasional constipation
• Speed
• Local action

In general, the usual dose for adults is one suppository per day, and it is best not to use them for more than 6-7 consecutive days.

Contraindications

Glycerin suppositories have contraindications, which are as follows:

• Hypersensitivity to any of the components
• Gastro-intestinal transit disorders : if you suffer from intestinal transit disorders, such as intestinal obstruction, for example
• Existence of abdominal pain of unknown origin: If you have abdominal pain whose cause is unknown to you, do not use glycerin suppositories until you know the source of the pain. The use of laxatives in these situations may hide the existence of an underlying pathology as yet unknown.

In addition, we do not recommend the use of glycerin suppositories if you suffer from certain disorders which can be dangerous if the intestinal peristalsis is stimulated.

Glycerin suppositories are only a one-off help

The use of glycerin suppositories can relieve the problems of occasional constipation directly and quickly. However, before starting any treatment for constipation, you should try to alleviate the condition by making lifestyle changes.

Remember that suppositories do not solve the cause of constipation, they only relieve symptoms quickly and in the short term. So do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you have this disorder regularly.