Glycerin Suppositories
Generic name: Glycerin Suppositories [ GLIS-er-in ]
Brand names: Colace Pediatric, Sani-Supp
Drug class: Laxatives
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 2, 2024.
Uses of Glycerin Suppositories:
- It is used to treat constipation.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Glycerin Suppositories?
- If you have an allergy to glycerin or any other part of the drug.
- If you are allergic to this medicine (glycerin suppositories); any part of this medicine (glycerin suppositories); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Bowel block, belly pain, upset stomach, rectal bleeding, throwing up, or change in bowel habits lasting longer than 2 weeks.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (glycerin suppositories).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (glycerin suppositories) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Glycerin Suppositories?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (glycerin suppositories). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Do not use this medicine (glycerin suppositories) for more than 1 week unless told to do so by your doctor.
- If you have rectal bleeding or you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine (glycerin suppositories), talk with your doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (glycerin suppositories) while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is this medicine (Glycerin Suppositories) best taken?
Use this medicine (glycerin suppositories) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- Use suppository rectally.
- If suppository is soft, chill in a refrigerator or run cold water over it.
- Take off foil wrapper.
- Wet suppository before putting in rectum.
- Put suppository into the rectum with gentle pressure, pointed end first. Do not handle too much.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you use this medicine (glycerin suppositories) on a regular basis, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times this medicine (glycerin suppositories) is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Very bad belly pain.
- Bleeding from rectum or rectal pain.
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What are some other side effects of Glycerin Suppositories?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Upset stomach.
- Stomach cramps.
- Gas.
- Diarrhea.
- Burning.
- Rectal irritation.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Glycerin Suppositories?
- Store at room temperature.
- Keep lid tightly closed.
- Protect from heat.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (glycerin suppositories), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
More about glycerin
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- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: laxatives
Patient resources
Other brands
Fleet Glycerin Suppositories Adult, Pedia-Lax Liquid Glycerin Suppositories, Fleet Glycerin Suppositories Pediatric, Fleet Liquid Glycerin Suppositories, Sani-Supp
Professional resources
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.