Osmotic/Stimulant Suppository·Gastrointestinal - Laxatives

Glycerol suppository

Acute relief of distal (rectal) constipation, bowel retraining in spinal cord injuries

SUPPOSITORYGlycerin SuppositoriesRectal suppositories: adult…UNSCHEDULEDTGA

No source link confirmed for this record yet. Its own source notes are under Additional.

At a glance

Dose

1 Supp PR STAT

Onset

15-30 mins

Route

PR ONLY

Systemic Abs.

NONE

Cautions

Avoid / Cautions

Rectal bleeding, severe undiagnosed abdominal pain, acute perianal surgery/trauma. Pregnancy Category A.

Where it stands

Rapid Summary

Overview

Locally acting osmotic and mildly irritant suppository. Draws water into the rectum and triggers the defecation reflex. Highly effective for distal impaction.

Clinical Focus

Must be inserted into the rectum against the bowel wall (not buried in stool) to act effectively.

Bottom Line

Glycerol suppository is a simple, safe rectal osmotic laxative for acute constipation, but provides only local effect and is insufficient for chronic or opioid-induced constipation.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Glycerin Suppositories

Parenteral

Rectal suppositories: adult 2.8 g/4 g product and paediatric sizes. Use the age-appropriate product.

Prescribing & PBS

Over The Counter (OTC).

Indications & Use

Primary

TGA

Acute relief of distal (rectal) constipation, bowel retraining in spinal cord injuries.

Clinical Place

First-line physical intervention on the ward when a patient hasn't opened bowels in days and oral agents are too slow.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Osmotic/Stimulant Suppository — Locally acting osmotic and mildly irritant suppository.

Route / Formulation

Rectal suppositories: adult 2.8 g/4 g product and paediatric sizes. Use the age-appropriate product.

Usual Dose & Max

PR 1 suppository (Adult size) inserted rectally. Retain for 15-30 mins if possible before opening bowels. 1-2 suppositories PR as required.

Best Uses

Glycerol suppository is a simple, safe rectal osmotic laxative for acute constipation, but provides only local effect and is insufficient for chronic or opioid-induced constipation.

Key Risks

Gastrointestinal: Mild rectal irritation, burning sensation, tenesmus (feeling of incomplete emptying).

Key Interactions

NONE — No significant drug interactions as it acts entirely locally.

Monitoring

Monitor bowel chart for effectiveness. Provide commode or toilet access immediately after administration.

Clinical Pearl

If the rectum is packed with hard stool, shoving the suppository into the center of the stool mass will do nothing. It MUST be pushed gently against the actual rectal mucosal wall to melt and trigger the reflex.

Access

Glycerin Suppositories

Brand: Glycerin Suppositories

From this page

No calculator, monitoring schedule or factsheet is linked to this medicine page yet.

Osmotic/Stimulant Suppository·Gastrointestinal - Laxatives

Glycerol suppository

Acute relief of distal (rectal) constipation, bowel retraining in spinal cord injuries

SUPPOSITORYGlycerin SuppositoriesRectal suppositories: adult…UNSCHEDULEDTGA

No source link confirmed for this record yet. Its own source notes are under Additional.

At a glance

Dose

1 Supp PR STAT

Onset

15-30 mins

Route

PR ONLY

Systemic Abs.

NONE

Cautions

Avoid / Cautions

Rectal bleeding, severe undiagnosed abdominal pain, acute perianal surgery/trauma. Pregnancy Category A.

Where it stands

Rapid Summary

Overview

Locally acting osmotic and mildly irritant suppository. Draws water into the rectum and triggers the defecation reflex. Highly effective for distal impaction.

Clinical Focus

Must be inserted into the rectum against the bowel wall (not buried in stool) to act effectively.

Bottom Line

Glycerol suppository is a simple, safe rectal osmotic laxative for acute constipation, but provides only local effect and is insufficient for chronic or opioid-induced constipation.

Formulation & Access

Brand Names

Glycerin Suppositories

Parenteral

Rectal suppositories: adult 2.8 g/4 g product and paediatric sizes. Use the age-appropriate product.

Prescribing & PBS

Over The Counter (OTC).

Indications & Use

Primary

TGA

Acute relief of distal (rectal) constipation, bowel retraining in spinal cord injuries.

Clinical Place

First-line physical intervention on the ward when a patient hasn't opened bowels in days and oral agents are too slow.

Quick reference

Class & Role

Osmotic/Stimulant Suppository — Locally acting osmotic and mildly irritant suppository.

Route / Formulation

Rectal suppositories: adult 2.8 g/4 g product and paediatric sizes. Use the age-appropriate product.

Usual Dose & Max

PR 1 suppository (Adult size) inserted rectally. Retain for 15-30 mins if possible before opening bowels. 1-2 suppositories PR as required.

Best Uses

Glycerol suppository is a simple, safe rectal osmotic laxative for acute constipation, but provides only local effect and is insufficient for chronic or opioid-induced constipation.

Key Risks

Gastrointestinal: Mild rectal irritation, burning sensation, tenesmus (feeling of incomplete emptying).

Key Interactions

NONE — No significant drug interactions as it acts entirely locally.

Monitoring

Monitor bowel chart for effectiveness. Provide commode or toilet access immediately after administration.

Clinical Pearl

Access

Glycerin Suppositories

Brand: Glycerin Suppositories

From this page

No calculator, monitoring schedule or factsheet is linked to this medicine page yet.