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Glycerol 4g Suppositories for Adults – 12 Pack are rectal laxatives used for the short-term relief of occasional constipation.
Each suppository is designed to be inserted into the rectum, where glycerol helps soften stools, lubricate the lower bowel and stimulate a bowel movement.
Unlike oral constipation treatments, which are swallowed and pass through the digestive system, glycerol suppositories act directly in the lower bowel. They can be useful when someone wants a locally acting treatment or has difficulty swallowing oral medicines.
Each adult-sized suppository has a total weight of 4g and contains 2.8g (2,800mg) glycerol as its active ingredient.
This 12-pack provides individually wrapped suppositories intended for occasional use.
How Do Glycerol Suppositories Work?
Glycerol has several actions that help relieve constipation.
First, it attracts and retains water, helping soften hard stools in the rectum.
Second, it provides a lubricating effect, making stools easier to pass.
Third, it mildly stimulates the lining of the rectum, encouraging the bowel to empty.
Together, these actions can help produce a bowel movement when stools are difficult to pass.
Glycerol is sometimes described as an osmotic laxative because of its water-attracting properties. However, adult glycerol suppositories also have a local stimulant action.
What Are Glycerol Suppositories Used For?
Glycerol suppositories are intended for the occasional treatment of constipation.
Constipation may involve:
- Hard or dry stools.
- Difficulty passing stools.
- Straining during bowel movements.
- Infrequent bowel movements.
- A feeling that the rectum has not emptied completely.
The suppositories may be useful when stool has reached the lower bowel but is difficult to pass.
They are not intended for regular, long-term treatment or for self-managing an unexplained bowel obstruction.
Benefits of Adult Glycerol Suppositories
Locally Acting Constipation Relief
The suppository works directly in the rectum rather than requiring an oral dose.
Helps Soften Hard Stools
Glycerol attracts water and helps make stools easier to pass.
Supports Bowel Emptying
Its mild local stimulant effect encourages a bowel movement.
No Tablets to Swallow
The rectal format offers an alternative to oral capsules, tablets and laxative drinks.
Simple Single-Suppository Dose
The usual adult dose is one 4g suppository when required.
Convenient 12-Pack
Individually wrapped suppositories can be stored until needed.
How Quickly Do Glycerol Suppositories Work?
Glycerol suppositories usually work more quickly than many oral bulk-forming or osmotic laxatives.
The product leaflet advises retaining the suppository for at least 15–20 minutes, if possible, and explains that it will not work immediately.
The exact time needed to produce a bowel movement varies.
Do not repeatedly insert additional suppositories because the first has not produced an immediate result.
Who Can Use Adult Glycerol Suppositories?
This product is intended for adults, including older adults.
Children and infants require different suppository strengths and should not be given the adult 4g formulation unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding or managing diabetes should read the relevant precautions before use.
Glycerol Suppositories vs Oral Laxatives
Glycerol suppositories differ from the other constipation products in the Pharmulous range.
Dulcolax tablets contain bisacodyl, an oral stimulant laxative.
Senokot tablets contain senna-derived stimulant ingredients.
Laxido and Movicol contain macrogol-based osmotic laxatives that help retain water in stools.
Fybogel contains ispaghula husk, a bulk-forming fibre laxative.
DulcoEase contains docusate sodium, which primarily helps soften hard stools.
Glycerol suppositories act locally in the rectum, making them a different option for occasional constipation.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the symptoms and underlying cause.
When Should You Not Use Glycerol Suppositories?
Do not use this medicine if you:
- Are allergic to glycerol, gelatin or another ingredient.
- Have a known or suspected bowel obstruction.
- Have an abdominal problem that has not been assessed by a healthcare professional.
- Seek medical advice before use if you have severe or unexplained abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rectal bleeding or a sudden unexplained change in bowel habits.
Can You Use Glycerol Suppositories Regularly?
Glycerol suppositories are intended for occasional use.
Using laxatives every day for prolonged periods may mask an underlying condition and can cause unwanted effects.
If constipation persists, frequently returns or requires regular treatment, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
Supporting Healthy Bowel Habits
Constipation can sometimes improve with everyday changes.
Eating sufficient fibre, drinking enough fluids, staying active and allowing time for regular toilet visits may help.
However, persistent constipation or symptoms such as blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss or severe pain require medical assessment.
Active Ingredient
Glycerol – 2,800mg per suppository
Each adult suppository has a total weight of 4g and contains 2.8g of glycerol.
Glycerol helps relieve constipation by:
- Attracting water to soften stools.
- Lubricating the lower bowel.
- Mildly stimulating rectal activity.
- Encouraging bowel emptying.
Important: The 4g strength describes the total weight of the suppository, not the amount of pure glycerol.
Other Ingredients
The complete list of inactive ingredients for this formulation is:
- Gelatin – helps form the suppository.
- Purified water – forms part of the suppository base.
Allergy Information
Do not use the product if you are allergic to glycerol, gelatin or any other ingredient.
Is This Product Vegetarian or Vegan?
This formulation contains gelatin and is therefore not suitable for people avoiding animal-derived gelatin.
Does It Contain Sugar?
Sugar is not listed among the ingredients of this formulation.
However, people with diabetes should speak to a doctor before use because glycerol suppositories may interfere with blood glucose control.
Adults and Older Adults
Recommended dose: One 4g suppository inserted into the rectum when required.
The same dose applies to older adults.
Do not use continuously for long periods without medical advice.
Children and Infants
Do not use the adult 4g suppositories for children or infants.
Smaller suppository strengths are available, but the correct product should be selected according to age and professional advice.
How to Use Glycerol 4g Suppositories
Follow these steps carefully:
- Wash your hands before opening the individual wrapper.
- Check the suppository. If it feels too soft, cool it briefly in the refrigerator or under cold running water before removing the wrapping.
- Remove the wrapper. Separate one suppository from the strip and gently peel away the plastic packaging.
- Moisten the tip. Wet the pointed end with a little cold water to make insertion easier.
- Lie on your side. Draw your knees towards your chest, with the upper leg slightly more bent.
- Insert the pointed end first. Gently push the suppository into the rectum using a finger.
- Insert it far enough. The suppository should sit securely inside the rectum and make contact with the bowel wall.
- Remain comfortable. Lower your legs and try to retain the suppository for at least 15–20 minutes.
- Wash your hands after use.
For rectal use only. Do not swallow.
How Long Should You Keep a Glycerol Suppository In?
Try to retain the suppository for 15–20 minutes, if possible.
You may feel an immediate urge to use the toilet, but the suppository needs time to work.
If it feels as though the suppository must come out immediately, it may not have been inserted far enough.
Can You Use Glycerol Suppositories Every Day?
No. These suppositories are intended for occasional use and should not be used continuously over long periods.
If you need a laxative every day, speak to a doctor.
Pregnancy
Glycerol 4g Suppositories should be avoided during the first three months of pregnancy.
If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or think you may be pregnant, ask a doctor or pharmacist before use.
Breastfeeding
The manufacturer's leaflet states that glycerol suppositories can be used during breastfeeding.
If you have concerns about suitability, speak to a healthcare professional.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, consult a doctor before use.
Glycerol suppositories may interfere with blood glucose control.
Interactions With Other Medicines
No specific medicine interactions are stated in the product's Summary of Product Characteristics.
Nevertheless, tell your pharmacist or doctor if you use other laxatives or rectal treatments, especially if you have persistent bowel symptoms.
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Keep in a dry place.
- Keep the suppositories in their original packaging until required.
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Like all medicines, Glycerol 4g Suppositories may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
The main recognised side effects are abdominal cramps and irritation around the rectum. Serious allergic reactions are also described in the patient leaflet.
Abdominal Cramps
Some people may experience stomach or abdominal cramps after using a suppository.
This can occur because glycerol encourages movement in the lower bowel.
If cramps are severe, persistent or accompanied by vomiting or significant abdominal pain, stop using the product and seek medical advice.
Rectal Irritation
Glycerol may cause irritation in or around the rectum.
Possible symptoms include:
- Temporary soreness.
- Burning or stinging.
- Local discomfort.
- Irritation after insertion.
If irritation is significant or continues after treatment, consult a pharmacist or doctor.
Diarrhoea
Prolonged or excessive use of glycerol suppositories may cause diarrhoea.
Frequent diarrhoea can lead to fluid loss and dehydration.
Do not use the suppositories more often or for longer than directed.
Serious Allergic Reactions
Stop using the medicine and seek urgent medical attention if you experience symptoms such as:
- Sudden wheezing or chest tightness.
- Swelling of the eyelids, face or lips.
- Hives or an itchy skin rash.
- Fever associated with an allergic reaction.
- Collapse.
Severe allergic reactions require emergency medical treatment.
What Happens If You Use Too Many Glycerol Suppositories?
Excessive use may cause abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and rectal irritation.
Do not insert additional suppositories repeatedly in an attempt to obtain faster relief.
If you have used more than directed and develop symptoms, seek advice from a healthcare professional.
What Happens If a Suppository Is Swallowed?
Glycerol suppositories are for rectal use only.
If someone accidentally swallows a suppository, contact a doctor or pharmacist and take the packaging or leaflet with you.
When Should You Stop Using the Product?
Stop treatment and seek medical advice if you develop:
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain.
- Significant rectal bleeding.
- Persistent vomiting.
- Severe rectal irritation.
- Signs of an allergic reaction.
- Constipation that continues or worsens.
If you suspect a blocked bowel, seek urgent medical assessment.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report suspected side effects to a doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Suspected adverse reactions can also be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme:
Frequently asked questions
What are Glycerol 4g Suppositories used for?
Glycerol 4g Suppositories are used for the occasional relief of constipation in adults.
They act locally in the rectum to soften stools, lubricate the lower bowel and encourage bowel emptying.
How do glycerol suppositories work?
Glycerol attracts water into stools, helping soften them.
It also lubricates the rectum and has a mild stimulant effect that encourages bowel movement.
How quickly do glycerol suppositories work?
They do not work immediately.
The manufacturer's leaflet states that they require at least 15 minutes to work and recommends retaining the suppository for 15–20 minutes if possible.
How many glycerol suppositories can adults use?
The recommended adult dose is one 4g suppository when required.
Do not use repeatedly or for extended periods without medical advice.
How do I insert a glycerol suppository?
Remove the plastic wrapper, moisten the pointed tip with cold water and gently insert it into the rectum.
Lie on your side during insertion and try to retain it for 15–20 minutes.
Which end of a glycerol suppository goes in first?
Insert the pointed end first.
This is the method specified in the manufacturer's instructions.
Can I use glycerol suppositories during pregnancy?
The manufacturer's leaflet advises avoiding them during the first three months of pregnancy.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use during pregnancy.
Can I use glycerol suppositories while breastfeeding?
Yes. The manufacturer's leaflet states that they can be used during breastfeeding.
