How Do Glycerin Suppositories Work?
Generally, glycerin suppositories are used to resolve the problem of occasional constipation. They are used to treat this condition because they act quickly and directly.
Glycerol is the active ingredient in glycerin suppositories. It is a substance that exerts its laxative action when administered rectally. This effect is obtained because, when suppositories are administered, the stool softens and produces a slight local irritant effect, stimulating intestinal peristalsis.
How do glycerin suppositories work?
As we have already said, the effect of glycerin suppositories is due to a dual mechanism of action:
- Local irritant effect on rectal mucosa, but this effect does not affect intestinal walls. Its action causes the rectum to contract, favoring the expulsion of feces.
- Osmotic effect : glycerol has the property of absorbing water and this, together with its lubricating properties, softens the stool and facilitates its expulsion.
The effect of glycerin suppositories manifests itself from 15 minutes to an hour after its application. Furthermore, glycerol is not absorbed and is almost completely eliminated in the faeces.
Indications
The use of glycerin suppositories is indicated for the relief of occasional constipation in adults.
What is constipation?
Constipation is usually referred to when the frequency of stools decreases. This problem is a symptom that the intestinal transit is reduced for some reason.
Constipation affects more women than men, especially between the ages of 20 and 35 and over 60 years.
Depending on how long it lasts, constipation can be classified into two types:
- Occasional : its origin may be in changes in diet and water consumption, lack of exercise, being treated with certain medications or being under stressful situations.
- Chronic : for constipation to be considered chronic, it must last for at least 3 months.
This problem may be related to situations similar to those of occasional constipation, however, it lasts longer. Other times, it has its origins in digestive problems and certain illnesses.
Do glycerin suppositories have adverse effects?
If you use glycerol in excess or for long periods, they can cause irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, it can sometimes cause itchiness, burning and irritation in the rectal area.
The use of glycerin suppositories is contraindicated if you are allergic to glycerol. You should also not use them if you have hemorrhoids, symptoms of intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, or other intestinal illnesses.
What are the advantages and how should they be used?
The main advantages of these suppositories are three:
- Effective relief from occasional constipation.
- Speed.
- Local action.
In general, the usual dose in adults is one suppository a day, and it is not advisable to use them for periods longer than 6 or 7 consecutive days.
Contraindications
Glycerin suppositories have some contraindications, among which we can highlight the following:
- Hypersensitivity to any of its components.
- Gastrointestinal transit alterations: if you suffer from alterations in the intestinal transit or intestinal obstruction.
- Abdominal pain of unknown origin: If you experience abdominal pain without a known cause, you should not use glycerin suppositories until you know the source of the pain. The use of laxatives in these situations can hide the existence of an underlying pathology that is still unknown.
Furthermore, its use is contraindicated when there are conditions that pose a certain danger if intestinal peristalsis is stimulated.
Glycerin suppositories are just a one-time help
The use of glycerin suppositories allows you to alleviate the problem of occasional constipation directly and quickly. However, before starting treatment for this problem, you should try to alleviate it by changing your lifestyle habits.
Don’t forget that suppositories don’t solve the cause of constipation, they just alleviate the symptoms quickly and in a timely manner. So don’t hesitate to see a doctor if you have this disorder regularly.
