Glycerin Suppositories, An Occasional Help
Glycerin suppositories are used to resolve episodes of occasional constipation. They are ideal because they act quickly and directly.
Glycerol is the active ingredient of glycerin suppositories and is a substance that exerts a laxative action when administered rectally. This effect is achieved because the suppository softens the stool and produces a mild local irritating effect by stimulating intestinal peristalsis.
How do glycerin suppositories work?
The effect of glycerin suppositories is due to a double mechanism of action:
- Local irritating effect on the rectal mucosa (the irritating effect does not affect the intestinal walls): the rectum contracts, favoring the expulsion of faeces.
- Osmotic effect : glycerol absorbs water which, together with the lubricating effect, softens the stool and facilitates its expulsion.
The action takes place from 15 minutes to an hour after application. Glycerol is not absorbed and is almost entirely eliminated in the faeces.
Indications
The use of glycerin suppositories is indicated to calm occasional constipation in adults.
What is constipation?
Constipation occurs when the frequency of bowel movements decreases. It is the symptom of a slowing of intestinal transit.
It affects women more than men, particularly in the age group between 20 and 35, but also from the age of 60. Depending on the duration, constipation can be classified into two types:
- Occasional : Its origin may lie in a change in diet, low water consumption, lack of exercise, certain medications, or stress.
- Chronic : To be considered chronic, constipation must last at least three months.
Chronic constipation can be linked to situations similar to those of occasional constipation, but of a longer duration. Other times, however, it can be the consequence of a digestive problem or a pathology.
Do glycerin suppositories have any side effects?
Continued or excessive use of glycerin suppositories can cause irritable bowel syndrome. In addition to this, it is possible to experience symptoms such as itching, burning or irritation in the rectal area.
The use of glycerin suppositories is contraindicated if you are allergic to glycerol. They are to be avoided in case of hemorrhoids, symptoms of intestinal obstruction, appendicitis or other intestinal diseases.
What benefits do they offer and what is the right dose?
The main advantages offered by glycerin suppositories are three:
- Relief from occasional constipation.
- Rapidity of action.
- Local action.
The usual adult dose is one suppository per day; this solution is not suitable for treatments that exceed 7 consecutive days.
Contraindications
Glycerin suppositories are contraindicated in the following cases:
- Hypersensitivity to any of their components.
- Disorders of gastrointestinal transit, for example in the case of intestinal obstruction.
- Abdominal pain of unknown origin : Suppositories should not be used until the cause of the pain is known. The use of laxatives in these cases could hide an underlying pathology.
- Conditions that stimulate intestinal peristalsis.
Glycerin suppositories are only an occasional help
Glycerin suppositories allow you to quickly and directly calm occasional constipation. However, before starting a treatment for constipation, it is good to try to relieve it by changing your daily habits.
We must not forget that suppositories do not solve the cause of constipation, but only act on the symptoms. For this reason, do not hesitate to consult your doctor if the disorder becomes chronic.
