Glycerin (Glycerol) 4g – 12 suppositories

What is it

Glycerol Suppositories are used for the relief of acute and temporary constipation in infants, children and adults.

Glycerol belongs to a group of medicines called laxatives. A laxative is a medicine which is used for the treatment of constipation.

This medicine works by its mildly irritating action promoting emptying of the bowels.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you. Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.

Glycerol Suppositories are available from your pharmacist without a doctor’s prescription.

Directions

How much to use

Use one suppository when required. Repeat if necessary.

• Adults & children over 12 years: one 4g suppository.
• Children 12 months to 12 years: one 2g suppository
• Infants newborn to 12 months: one 1g suppository

How to use it

To remove suppository, tear one from the strip along the perforation, then peel it from the container by pulling apart the tabs at the top of the suppository. If suppository is soft, place in refrigerator for 30 minutes prior to use.

• Moisten the tip of the suppository with water before insertion.
• Insert one suppository well up in the rectum (back passage) and allow to remain for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Lie on one side and pull up knees. Gently insert suppository, pointed end first, high into the rectum. It is not necessary for the entire suppository to melt to obtain satisfactory results.
• Onset of action usually between 15 to 60 minutes.

If you are not sure how to use a suppository, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Overdose is unlikely. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings

Do not use Glycerol Suppositories if you have an allergy to:

• any medicine containing glycerol (or glycerin)
• any of the ingredients listed.

Do not use Glycerol Suppositories if you believe you have an intestinal obstruction.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.

If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.

Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:

• intestinal obstruction
• rectal bleeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.

If you are pregnant, use only on doctor’s advice. Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you start using Glycerol Suppositories.

Prolonged use of Glycerol Suppositories is not recommended. Prolonged use of laxatives is undesirable. If your symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

No interactions with Glycerol Suppositories have been noted.

Things you must do

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are using Glycerol Suppositories.

Tell any other doctors and pharmacists who treat you that you are taking this medicine.

If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor.

Things you must not do

Glycerol Suppositories should not be swallowed.

Do not take Glycerol Suppositories to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using Glycerol Suppositories. This medicine helps most people with constipation but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people. All medicines can have side effects

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Glycerol suppositories are generally well tolerated. However, you may experience abdominal cramps or bowel irritation.

If you are concerned by any of these reactions, discontinue use and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.

Ingredients

Glycerol Suppositories contains glycerol as the active ingredient.  It also contains gelatin and water.

This medicine does not contain lactose, sucrose or gluten.