Glycerin Suppositories

Laxative vs Suppository

When people think of natural laxatives, they usually think of things that you ingest whereby the exerted effect speeds up passage of intestinal contents. Glycerin suppositories work from the other end, so to speak. Instead of ingesting them, one puts them through the rear.

How do they work? Glycerin is a hyperosmotic. When it's present in the colonic passage way, it draws water from the intestinal walls into the int erior space. This has the effect of both irritating the lining of the intestine, as well as increasing the water content of the rectal matter. Th e end result is an increase in speed of passage of matter. Therefore, glycerin suppositories have multiple modes of action: lubrication, hydration , and irritation. These three combined make it an effective inducer of bowel movements.

When to use it

The glycerin suppository is used not only for inducing bowel movements in the event of constipation, but it's also a helpful aid for people with hemmorhoids. People with hemmorhoids will exacerbate their condition if the stool is very hard, causing hemmorhoidal bleeding upon passage. Glycerin suppositories help hydrate and lubricate the stool.

How it works

Glycerin is a hyperosmotic. It has a strong tendency to draw in water from surrounding tissues into the intestinal region. Oral hyperosmotics, some of which are also natural laxatives, are used to do the same. However, oral hyperosmotics can sometimes lead to heavy electrolytic imbalance, which stresses the kidneys and cause organ damage. A glycerin suppository reduces the chances of this happening. Of course, there is more trouble associated with the application of a glycerin suppository. A special time needs to be set aside because the insertion process is delicate. The product needs to be moistened, and one needs to be lying down for insertion. Using it for the first time may engender some discomfort.

Where to get it

The generic name of a glycerin suppository is, you guessed it, glycerin. That's the name laymen and chemists alike use for the substance. However, if you hit the pharmacy, you'll find it under various brand names such as Colace Pediatric and Sani-Supp.

Contraindications

As usual, it's important to seek the advice of a physician before embarking on any sort of medication, natural or not. In the case of glycerin suppositories, use is contraindicated if one is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Some people have suggested the danger that the components of the suppository can be absorbed into the blood stream and enter breast milk, so there are often warnings that women who breastfeed should stay away from such products. If one is in the midst of taking other prescription medication. Likewise, if one has allergies to any of the components, use should be halted immediately. Other signs that one should not use glycerin suppositories include appendicitis or bleeding in the lower rectal area. Again, if you have undiagnosed pains or aches in the abdominal area, don't ignore it and don't take suppositories without talking to your physician first.