What is Glycerin-Adult: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Glycerin-Adult overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Sunmark Laxative Suppositories, Stratuscare, Fleet Glycerin Suppositories, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Glycerin, Leader Children's Glycerin Suppositories, Leader Glycerin Suppositories, Pedia-Lax Glycerin Suppositories

Generic Names:

  • Glycerin (Adult)

Uses:

  • Treats occasional constipation by making bowel movements regular. This medicine is a laxative.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Laxative, Hyperosmotic, Laxative, Stool Softener

Forms:

  • Suppository

How it’s taken:

  • Into the rectum

What is Glycerin-Adult used for?

What form(s) does Glycerin-Adult come in

  • Suppository

What are common Glycerin-Adult doses?

  • Jar 12 Suppository

  • Jar 24 Suppository

  • Jar 50 Suppository

  • Box 12 Suppository

Common Glycerin-Adult prescriptions

  • Glycerin (Adult)
    12 suppository box

  • Glycerin (Adult)
    25 suppository box

  • Glycerin (Adult)
    12 suppository jar

  • Glycerin (Adult)
    24 suppository jar

  • Glycerin (Adult)
    50 suppository jar

How to take Glycerin-Adult

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Rectal routeNever take rectal suppositories by mouth.

  • Rectal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting it.

  • Rectal routeLie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch.

  • Rectal routeKeep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.

  • This medicine should cause you to have a bowel movement within 15 minutes to 1 hour.

  • Rectal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting it.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Rectal routeLie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch.

  • Rectal routeNever take rectal suppositories by mouth.

  • Rectal routeKeep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine should cause you to have a bowel movement within 15 minutes to 1 hour.

What to do if you miss a dose of Glycerin-Adult

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Rectal routeYou may store the suppositories in the refrigerator, but do not freeze them.

  • Rectal routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine applicator(s), containers, and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Glycerin-Adult contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to glycerin. You should not use this medicine if you have rectal bleeding.

Glycerin-Adult warnings

  • If you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, stop using it and talk to your doctor.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits lasting longer than 2 weeks.

  • This medicine should not be used for longer than one week.

Glycerin-Adult interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have been using any other laxative for more than 1 week prior to using this medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits lasting longer than 2 weeks.

  • If you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, stop using it and talk to your doctor.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • This medicine should not be used for longer than one week.

Glycerin-Adult side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Bleeding from your rectum.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Irritation or burning pain in your rectal area.

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