Glycerin

Registered South African indications:

• Occasional constipation

Registered South African contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to active ingredient or any of its excipients
• Do not use unless the patient to be treated is in fact constipated

South African recommendations

Caution in the following patient groups

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Renal impairment
• Hepatic impairment
• Elderly
• Diabetic patients
• Those at risk of dehydration

Gastrointestinal system considerations

• Glycerin should not be used in the presence of abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
• If a sudden change in bowel habits is noticed that has persisted for a period greater than two weeks, consult a doctor before using glycerin
• Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of glycerin may indicate a serious condition. Discontinue use and consult a doctor
• Glycerin may cause rectal discomfort or a burning sensation

Duration of use

• Frequent or prolonged use of glycerin may result in dependence on laxatives and loss of normal bowel function
• Glycerin should not be used for longer than one week, except on the advice of a doctor

Effects on ability to drive and use machines

• Not known

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: sup

South African registered indications and dosages

Occasional constipation

Glycerin suppository 2.14g

• Rectal (sup): 1 sup, as a single daily dose, when necessary; Acts within 15-30mins

Hold the wide base of the suppository in the fold of a cloth. Lubricate the pointed end with petroleum jelly or moisten with water and insert well up into the rectum. Even though complete solution is not necessary for action, the suppository should be held for 5 minutes to induce a motion

FOR RECTAL USE ONLY

Paed. forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: sup

South African registered indications and dosages

Occasional constipation

Glycerin suppository 1.12g

Younger than 6 years

• Rectal (sup): 1-1.5 sup as a single daily dose, when necessary; Acts within 15-30mins

Glycerin suppository 2.14g

6 years and older

• Rectal (sup): See adult dosage

Hold the wide base of the suppository in the fold of a cloth. Lubricate the pointed end with petroleum jelly or moisten with water and insert well up into the rectum. Even though complete solution is not necessary for action, the suppository should be held for 5 minutes to induce a motion

FOR RECTAL USE ONLY

Pregnancy

South African recommendations

• Caution; no information available

Breastfeeding

South African recommendations

• Caution; no information available

Fertility

South African recommendations

• No information available

South African recommendations

• Caution; no information available

South African recommendations

• Caution; no information available

South African recommendations

• Caution; no information available

Gastrointestinal Disorders 

• Rectal discomfort
• Burning sensation

No information available

None routine 

Glycerin acts by its osmotic properties to attract water to the lumen, thereby softening the stool and promoting bowel movement.

Glycerin is available in several formulations. Please note the list below gives examples of products which are available and is not necessarily comprehensive. The listing of a product does not constitute endorsement of the product by EMGuidance; likewise, failure to list a product does not imply that EMGuidance disapproves of the product. This information is put together on the basis of the National Government's Medicines Price Registry at the time of publication

Suppository (per 2.4g) 1.698ml

• Lennon-Glycerin suppositories for Adults (Aspen)

Suppository (per 1.26g) 0.891ml

• Lennon-Glycerin suppositories for infants and children (Aspen)