II. Indications
- Functional Constipation (typically infants)
III. Mechanism: Glycerin (Glycerol)
- Glycerol (Glycerin) is a trihydroxyalcohol (1,2,3-trihydroxypropane), an intermediate Carbohydrate in Glucose Metabolism
- Intravascular Effects
- Increases blood osmolality and mobilizes water from tissue into the interstitium and plasma
-
Diuretic Effect
- At the nephron's proximal tubule, Glycerin prevents water reabsorption
- Increases urinary excretion of Sodium and water (and decreased Blood Volume)
- Laxative Effect (Rectal Suppository)
- Glycerin commercial use
- Solvent
- Humectant (maintains moisture, e.g. lotion)
- Pharmaceutical vehicle
IV. Pharmacokinetics
- Glycerin Suppository stimulates bowel evacuation within 15 to 60 minutes
V. Dosing: Glcerin Suppository
- Insert suppository high in the Rectum and retain for at least 15 minutes
- Infant to age 2 years
- Insert 1/2 pediatric suppository per Rectum once daily as needed
- Age 2 to 5 years
- Insert 1 pediatric suppository per Rectum once daily as needed
- Age 6 years to adult
- Insert 1 adult suppository per Rectum once daily as needed
VI. Adverse Effects
- Anal or rectal mucosa irritation
VII. Resources
VIII. References
- Olson (2020) Clinical Pharmacology, Medmaster Miami, p. 94
- (2023) Management of Constipation, Presc Lett, #390108
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Related Studies
| glycerin suppository (on 10/18/2023 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing) | ||
| GLYCERIN SUPPOSITORY | Generic OTC | $0.09 each |
| glycerin (on 10/18/2023 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing) | ||
| GLYCERIN ADULT SUPPOSITORY | Generic OTC | $0.09 each |