Glycerin rectal is used as a laxative. It works by causing the intestines to hold more water, which softens the stool.

Glycerin rectal is used to treat occasional constipation or to cleanse the bowel before a rectal exam or other intestinal procedure.

Glycerin rectal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Overuse of a laxative may cause damage to the nerves, muscles, or tissues in your intestines.

Do not take a rectal suppository by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

Wash your hands before and after using a rectal enema or suppository.

This medicine comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

To use the suppository:

• Remove the wrapper before inserting the suppository. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.

• Use your finger or the applicator provided to insert the suppository.

• Lie on your left side with your lower leg straight and your upper leg bent. Gently insert the suppository pointed tip first into your rectum, about 1/2 inch for a child or 1 inch for an adult.

• For best results, stay lying down for a few minutes. The suppository will melt quickly and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in.

To use the enema:

• Remove the protective shield before inserting the enema tip.

• Lie on your left side with your lower leg straight and your upper leg bent. If giving this medicine to a child, have the child kneel on the floor and then lower the chest forward until the side of the child's face is resting on the floor.

• Gently insert the tip of the applicator or bulb syringe into the rectum, pointing it toward your navel (belly button). Do not force the applicator into the rectum or injury could result.

• Slowly squeeze the bottle or bulb until it is nearly empty.

For best results after using glycerin rectal, stay lying down until you feel the urge to have a bowel movement. This medicine should produce a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes after using the suppository.

Do not use glycerin rectal more than once in a 24-hour period.

Call your doctor if this medication does not cause you to have a bowel movement within 1 hour after use.

Store the rectal enema at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Store the rectal suppositories at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat. Some suppositories can be refrigerated. Check your medicine label to be sure how to store your medicine.

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

You should not use glycerin if you are allergic to glycerin.

To make sure glycerin rectal is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;

• rectal bleeding;

• a change in bowel habits that has lasted for 2 weeks or longer;

• ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon; or

• if you have used another laxative for longer than 1 week.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether glycerin rectal will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether glycerin rectal passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

When using this medication in any child, use only the forms that are specially made for children. Certain brands of glycerin rectal should not be used in children.

Do not use glycerin rectal in a child younger than 2 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Since glycerin is usually given only once as needed, you will not be on a dosing schedule. Do not use glycerin rectal more than once in a 24-hour period.

An overdose of glycerin rectal is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Avoid using other laxatives in combination with glycerin rectal unless your doctor has told you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Glycerin rectal may cause serious side effects. Stop using glycerin rectal and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain or cramping;

• rectal bleeding; or

• no bowel movement within 1 hour after use.

Common side effects of glycerin may include:

• loose stools;

• nausea or stomach discomfort; or

• rectal pain or burning.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may interact with glycerin rectal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.