Glycerin is simple polyol compound that is colorless, odorless, and sweet-tasting. In pharmaceuticals, it is commonly used rectally as a laxative. Glycerin is also widely used as a sweetener in oral liquid drug products, in dermatologic preparations to aid in wound management or as a moisturizer agent, as a lubricant for dry eyes in certain nonprescription or prescription ophthalmic products, and as a pharmaceutical excipient in various pharmacy compounding recipes. It is also known as glycerol and glycerine in other countries outside the U.S.
General Administration Information
For storage information, see the specific product information within the How Supplied section.
Route-Specific Administration
Topical Administration
Other Topical Formulations
-Apply gel liberally to cover affected area(s); apply as often as necessary.
-If gauze is used as a wound covering, moisten first.
-If condition worsens or does not improve within 10 to 14 days, advise patient to consult with their health care provider.
Rectal Administration
-Instruct patient or caregiver on proper use of suppository.
-Have the patient lie down on their left side with knees bent and arms resting comfortably or have patient kneel, then lower head and chest forward until left side of face is resting on surface with left arm folded comfortably to provide comfort and support.
-Insert suppository well up into rectum. Have patient remain laying to aid in retention of the suppository. The suppository should be retained for at least 15 minutes.
-Suppository is designed to dissolve partially, which may not be noticeable. The suppository does not need to melt to produce laxative action
-Advise patient to consult their health care provider if using the laxative for longer than 1 week.
Minor rectal discomfort and a burning sensation are possible with glycerin suppositories. Additionally, if rectal bleeding occurs after suppository use, advise patients to discontinue and contact their health care provider.
Discontinue use of glycerin ophthalmic dosage forms if ocular irritation, pain, changes in vision, continued ocular redness or other symptoms occur or worsen, or if the condition has not improved within 72 hours of use of the product; the patient should consult their health care professional for ophthalmic evaluation.
Glycerin suppositories may cause rectal discomfort or a burning sensation. The patient should be advised to consult with a health care provider before use if they have abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than two weeks, or have already used a laxative for more than one week.
Glycerin is found in a variety of food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products; use is designated as generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Rectal glycerin nonprescription products for constipation are considered poorly absorbed systemically and use according to product directions for occasional constipation is generally considered acceptable as untoward effects have not been reported. However, other agents may be preferred or more effective during pregnancy. The American Gastroenterological Association recommends PEG 3350 as a first-choice laxative in pregnancy when non-pharmacologic methods (e.g., fluids, dietary fiber) are ineffective or inadequate for preventing or treating constipation. A stool softener such as docusate sodium is also considered low risk.
Glycerin is found in a variety of food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products; use is designated as generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Rectal glycerin nonprescription products for constipation are considered poorly absorbed systemically and use according to product directions for occasional constipation is generally considered acceptable during breast-feeding as untoward effects have not been reported.
For the treatment of occasional constipation:
Rectal dosage:
Adults: 2 g suppository rectally every 24 hours as needed.
Children and Adolescents 6 to 17 years: 2 g suppository rectally every 24 hours as needed.
Children 2 to 5 years: 1 g suppository rectally every 24 hours as needed.
For wound management of stasis ulcers, pressure injuries (stages I-IV), 1st and 2nd degree burns, minor cuts, abrasions or skin irritations, post-operative incisions, and skin conditions associated with peristomal care:
Topical dosage (20% topical gel):
Adults: Apply liberally to affected area(s) as often as necessary. If gauze is used as a wound covering, moisten first.
Infants, Children, and Adolescents 6 months to 17 years: Apply liberally to affected area(s) as often as necessary. If gauze is used as a wound covering, moisten first.
Maximum Dosage Limits:
-Adults
One 2 gram suppository rectally every 24 hours or as directed by a health care provider
-Geriatric
One 2 gram suppository rectally every 24 hours or as directed by a health care provider
-Adolescents
One 2 gram suppository rectally every 24 hours or as directed by a health care provider
-Children
Children 6 years and older: One 2 gram suppository rectally every 24 hours or as directed by a health care provider
Children 2 to 5 years: One 1 gram suppository rectally every 24 hours or as directed by a health care provider
Children under 2 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
-Infants
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
-Neonates
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in hepatic impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
Patients with Renal Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in renal impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
*non-FDA-approved indication
There are no drug interactions associated with Glycerin products.
When administered rectally, glycerin is a hyperosmotic laxative. It works in the colon by causing a local irritant effect as well as by drawing water into the intestines softening the stool. Glycerin suppositories usually produce a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes after insertion.
When administered topically for wound management, glycerin maintains a moist environment and promotes autolytic debridement.
Glycerin is administered rectally for constipation and topically for wound management. The pharmacokinetics of glycerin have not been described by the manufacturer.