You, your little one, or an elderly person at home may have experienced constipation from time to time. Many people suffer from things like not having a bowel movement for two or three days, feeling full, and having stomach pain. So, one medicine that can be used to provide quick relief at such times is Glycerin Rectal Suppository. Today, we will talk about this in detail and simply.
So, what is a glycerin suppository?
Simply put, it's like a small pill that's inserted into the body through the rectum . It's not a pill that you take orally. The main ingredient in it is glycerin.
This is how it works:
1. When we insert this suppository into the rectum, it dissolves inside and releases glycerin.
2. This glycerin draws water into the stool in our rectum and lower colon, just like a sponge absorbs water.
3. Then the dried, hardened flower will soften and become loose.
4. Also, this process creates a slight pressure in the rectum, sending a signal to the brain that the stool needs to be expelled.
In this way, this medicine helps to easily pass the stuck stool. We call these types of medicines that help to loosen and pass stool a laxative .
The most important thing is that this should only be used for occasional constipation . It is not a medicine that should be used as a daily habit.
The most important things to tell your doctor before using this medicine are:
Before you use this medicine for yourself or for someone else, you should definitely discuss these points with your doctor, as sometimes this medicine may not be suitable for you.
- If you have severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting: Your stomach pain may not be caused by constipation, but by another serious condition. So do not use this medicine until you know the exact cause.
- If your bowel habits have changed suddenly for more than two weeks: This could also be a sign of an underlying condition. Therefore, it's best to see a doctor to find out the cause.
- If you have been using a laxative like this for more than a week: If you continue to use it, your body may become accustomed to it. You may then become unable to have a bowel movement without the medication.
- If you have an allergic reaction to glycerin or any other medicine or food: This is very important. If you have had an allergy in the past, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: It is essential to seek medical advice before taking any medication during this time.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: This is also an important point to discuss with your doctor.
It's so easy! Here's the correct way to use it.
Many people are a little afraid to use it and feel uncomfortable. But if you follow these steps exactly, you can use it without any pain or difficulty.
| Steps | What you need to do is simple. |
|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then carefully peel off the silver foil that is wrapped around the suppository. |
| 2. Wetting | Wet the tip of the suppository with a little cold water. This will make insertion easier. |
| 3. Correct posture | Lie on one side of the bed. Keep the bottom leg straight and bend the top leg towards your stomach (as if bringing your knee closer to your chest). |
| 4. Insertion | Lift your buttock slightly to expose the rectal area. Now slowly, inhale, and slowly push the pointed end of the suppository inward. Using your index finger, push it in until it reaches the first knuckle of your finger. Don't worry, this won't hurt. |
| 5. Waiting a moment | After inserting, press your buttocks together for a few seconds. Then, lie down for about 15 minutes. This will prevent the suppository from coming back out. |
If you use it for small children...
This can be used on children over 2 years of age, as directed by a doctor. However, when giving this to a child, it should be done very gently, without scaring him. Ask the child to stay in the same position. Also, holding the child's buttocks together for a while after inserting can prevent the medicine from coming out. Never use these on children without medical advice.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- Do not continue using it: If you need to use this medicine for more than a week, it means that there may be another cause for your constipation. Be sure to see a doctor.
- Do not use with other laxatives: When using this, do not use other oral laxatives.
- Drink plenty of water: Dehydration is the main cause of constipation. So, make it a habit to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.
- If no results within an hour: A bowel movement should usually occur within 15-60 minutes. If there is no result after an hour, call your doctor immediately.
What if I use too much by mistake?
If you take more than the recommended dose, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What are the expected side effects?
Most people don't experience serious side effects, but sometimes these things can happen.
| Side effect | What to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions - Skin irritation, itching - Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat - Difficulty breathing | Immediately stop using the medicine again and go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). |
| Rectal pain, inflammation, or bleeding | If this happens after using the medicine, call your doctor immediately. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How exactly do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Storage: Store this medicine at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Make sure to keep it out of the reach of small children and pets in the house .
- After expiration: Do not use medicine that has passed its expiration date.
- Disposal: The best way to dispose of unused or expired medications is to take them out of their containers, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put them in a bag, seal it tightly, and throw it in the trash. Never flush them down the toilet.
Take-Home Message
- Glycerin suppositories are a rectal medication that provides quick relief from occasional constipation.
- Before using this, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions.
- Follow the correct method of using the medicine exactly. It is not painful at all.
- Avoid continuous use for more than a week. Seek medical advice if necessary.
- If you do not pass stool within an hour, or if you experience rectal bleeding or severe pain, see a doctor immediately.
- Always store medicine out of the reach of children and pets.


💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න