Glycerin (rectal)

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

Glycerin (rectal) may also be used for other purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

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

Your dose 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 only for use in 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 does not need 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.

Follow all the instructions on the label and package. Use it exactly as directed. Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking other medicines, have other medical conditions, or have allergies.

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:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• rectal bleeding;
• a change in bowel habits that has lasted for 2 weeks or longer; or
• used another laxative for longer than 1 week.

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.

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

Glycerin (rectal) may cause serious side effects. Stop using glycerin (rectal) and call your doctor right away if you experience:

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
• rectal bleeding; or
• no bowel movement within 1 hour after use.

Common side effects of glycerin include:

• rectal discomfort or burning.

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

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation:

Hyperosmotic laxatives should be used infrequently in single doses.Liquid suppositories: 5.6 g rectally onceSuppositories: 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 once6 years or older: 5.6 g rectally onceSuppositories:2 to less than 6 years: 1 to 1.7 g rectally once6 years or older: 2 to 3 g rectally once

Glycerin (rectal) is used as needed. If you are following a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

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

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

Other drugs may affect glycerin (rectal), including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are using.