From the Guidelines
Glycerin suppositories should be used to relieve occasional constipation in both children and adults, with the dosage and administration guided by the patient's age and medical history, as supported by the most recent guidelines 1. When using glycerin suppositories, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage and administration guidelines to minimize the risk of adverse effects and ensure effective relief from constipation.
Key Considerations for Usage
- For adults and children 6 years and older, insert one adult-sized suppository (2-3 grams) rectally once daily as needed, as this dosage is likely to provide adequate relief without increasing the risk of side effects 1.
- For children 2-5 years old, use a pediatric-sized suppository (1-1.5 grams) once daily, taking into account the child's size and medical history to avoid any potential adverse effects.
- For infants under 2 years, a smaller infant suppository (0.5-1 gram) may be used, but only after consulting a healthcare provider, as the safety and efficacy of glycerin suppositories in this age group may vary 1.
Administration and Precautions
- To use, remove the wrapper, moisten the suppository with water or water-soluble lubricant, and gently insert the tapered end into the rectum, taking care to avoid any discomfort or injury.
- Relief typically occurs within 15-30 minutes, but it is crucial to monitor the patient's response and adjust the treatment as needed.
- Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days, as prolonged use can lead to dependence, and consult a healthcare provider if constipation persists beyond a week or recurs frequently 1.
Mechanism of Action and Side Effects
- Glycerin works by osmotically drawing water into the intestine and by mildly irritating the rectal lining, which stimulates peristalsis, as explained in the guidelines 1.
- Side effects may include rectal discomfort, burning, or cramping, and it is essential to avoid use if you have rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or nausea/vomiting, and consult a healthcare provider if any of these symptoms occur 1.
From the Research
Usage of Glycerine Suppositories in Children and Adults
- Glycerine suppositories are used to treat constipation in both children and adults, and their administration requires a professional and sensitive approach to minimize embarrassment and stress for the patient 2.
- The proper usage of glycerine suppositories involves inserting them into the rectum, where they melt and release the medicine for local or systemic absorption 2.
- Different types of suppositories are available to treat constipation, and the method of insertion may vary slightly depending on the type used 2.
Administration in Children
- In very low birth weight infants, glycerin suppositories have been used to treat constipation, but their use has been associated with longer times to reach full enteral feeds and longer hospital stays 3.
- The safety and efficacy of glycerin suppositories in children require further prospective studies to fully understand their effects 3.
Administration in Adults
- Glycerin suppositories have been used in adults with constipation, and their effectiveness has been evaluated in several studies 4, 5.
- A pilot study found that glycerin suppositories were not effective in controlled colostomy emptying, but further research is needed to determine if an adjunct device or method could improve their effectiveness 4.
- Another study found that a medium-sized glycerine suppository was more effective than a bisacodyl in oil base suppository in bowel care 5.
Safety and Efficacy
- The safety and efficacy of glycerin suppositories have been evaluated in several studies, and they have been found to be generally safe and effective in treating constipation in both children and adults 2, 3, 6.
- However, their use can cause watery stool and other side effects, and patients should be monitored closely for any adverse reactions 6.
- Glycerin suppositories can be used as a cost-effective and efficient treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and their safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in several studies 6.