Glycerin Suppositories: How Do They Work?

Glycerin suppositories are generally used to solve the problem of occasional constipation. They are used to treat this condition because they act quickly and directly.  

Glycerol is the active ingredient in glycerin suppositories. It is a substance that exerts its laxative action when administered rectally. This effect is achieved by administering the suppositories soften the stool and produce a mild local irritant effect, stimulating intestinal peristalsis.

How do glycerin suppositories work?

As we have said, the effect of glycerin suppositories is due to a double mechanism of action:

• Local irritant effect on the rectal mucosa, the irritant effect does not affect the intestinal walls. Its effect causes the contraction of the rectum favoring the expulsion of feces.
• Osmotic effect : glycerol has the property of absorbing water and this, together with its lubricating properties, softens the stool and facilitates its expulsion.

The effect of glycerin suppositories manifests itself after 15 minutes to an hour after application. Besides, and Glycerol is not absorbed and is almost entirely eliminated in the faeces.

Indications

The use of glycerin suppositories is indicated for the relief of occasional constipation in adults.

What is constipation?

In general, constipation is spoken of when the frequency of bowel movements decreases. Constipation is a  symptom that intestinal transit is decreased for some reason.

Constipation affects more women than men, especially women between the ages of 20 and 35 and from the age of 60.

Depending on how long it lasts, constipation can be classified into two types:

• Occasional : its origin may be in changes in diet and water consumption, lack of exercise, being in treatment with certain medications or being subjected to stressful situations.
• Chronic : for   Chronic constipation must last at least 3 months. 

Chronic constipation can be related to situations that are similar to occasional constipation but that last longer. However, other times, it has its origin in digestive problems and certain diseases. 

Do glycerin suppositories have adverse effects?

If you use glycerin suppositories in excess or for long periods of time, they   can cause irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, you can sometimes experience symptoms such as itching, stinging and irritation in the rectal area.

However, the use of glycerin suppositories is contraindicated if you are allergic to glycerol. You should also not use them if you have hemorrhoids, symptoms of intestinal obstruction, appendicitis or other intestinal diseases. 

What are the advantages of using it and how are they used?

The main advantages of using glycerin suppositories are three:

• Effective relief of occasional constipation.
• Speed.
• Local action.

In general, the usual dose in adults is one suppository a day, and it is not advisable to use them for periods of time longer than 6 or 7 days in a row.

       Read also: 6 habits to overcome constipation without laxatives

Contraindications

Glycerin suppositories have some contraindications, including the following:

• Hypersensitivity to any of its components.
• Gastrointestinal transit alterations: in case you suffer intestinal transit alterations, such as if you suffer from intestinal obstruction.
• Existence of abdominal pain of unknown origin : if you experience abdominal pain with no known cause, you should not use glycerin suppositories until you know the origin of the pain. The use of laxatives in these situations can hide the existence of an underlying pathology that is still unknown.

In addition, the use of glycerin suppositories is contraindicated when there are conditions that carry a certain danger if intestinal peristalsis is stimulated.

Glycerin suppositories are only a point aid

The use of glycerin suppositories allows to alleviate the problem of occasional constipation directly and quickly. However, before starting constipation treatment, you should try to alleviate it by modifying your lifestyle habits.

You must not forget that suppositories do not solve the cause that causes constipation, they only relieve the symptoms in a timely and fast way. Therefore, do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you usually present this disorder.