Usual Adult Dose for Constipation

Hyperosmotic laxatives should be used infrequently in single doses.

Liquid suppositories: 5.6 g rectally once
Suppositories: 2 to 3 g rectally once

Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation

Hyperosmotic laxatives should be used infrequently in single doses.

Liquid suppositories:
2 to less than 6 years: 2.3 g rectally once
6 years or older: 5.6 g rectally once

Suppositories:
2 to less than 6 years: 1 to 1.7 g rectally once
6 years or older: 2 to 3 g rectally once

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

Patients with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks, or who have already used a laxative for more than 1 week should consult a physician before using rectal glycerin. Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after rectal glycerin use may indicate a serious underlying gastrointestinal condition, and warrants discontinuation of therapy and evaluation.

Patients should not use laxative products longer than 1 week unless directed by a physician.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Glycerin rectal suppositories/liquid suppositories usually cause evacuation of the colon within 15 to 60 minutes.

The suppository should be inserted well up into the rectum. It does not need to melt completely to produce laxative action.

The applicator tip of the liquid suppository should not be forced into the rectum or injury may result.