Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Glycerol 1g Suppositories

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Glycerol may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Glycerol

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for Glycerol belongs to a group of medicines called laxatives. A laxative is a medicine which is used for the occasional treatment of constipation. Glycerol Suppositories act as a stimulant laxative for short term treatment of constipation and for emptying the bowels

What you need to know before you take it

e Glycerol Suppositories Do not use Glycerol Suppositories if your child:

  • suffers from a blocked bowel or an abdominal problem for which you have not obtained a medical opinion
  • is allergic (hypersensitive) to glycerol or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Glycerol Suppositories If your child is diabetic you should speak to your doctor before using Glycerol Suppositories as they may interfere with levels of sugar in their body.

If your child needs laxatives every day you should see your doctor. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine. Glycerol Suppositories should be avoided in the first three months of pregnancy. Glycerol Suppositories can be used during breastfeeding.

How to take it

Glycerol Suppositories Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. 1. Wash hands before opening individual packaging. If the suppository is too soft, it may be chilled in the refrigerator or under cold running water before unwrapping 2. To remove a suppository, tear one from the strip along the perforations then peel it from the plastic wrapping by grasping the two halves of the wrapping at the tip of the suppository and pulling them gently apart. The tip should be moistened with a little cold water to aid insertion. 3. Lie your child on their side and draw their knees up towards their chest. 4. Using your index finger or middle finger, whichever you find easier, gently push the suppository into the rectum. The suppository is shaped for rectal insertion, ensure the tip of the suppository is inserted first. 5. The suppository should be inserted as far as possible, pushing the end of the suppository sideways to ensure contact with the wall of the bowel.

6. Lower their legs to a comfortable position to help hold the suppository in place. 7. The suppository should be in place for at least 15 to 20 minutes if possible. If your child feels the suppository must come out immediately, it has not been inserted high enough. 8. Your child may feel an immediate urge to go to the toilet. Encourage them to try to ignore this as the suppository will not work for at least 15 minutes. Glycerol Suppositories should not be swallowed Children One 2g suppository Infant One 1g suppository

Possible side effects

not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via United Kingdom Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store in a dry place below 25°C. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

How to store it

Glycerol Suppositories

As with all laxatives, the suppositories should not be used on a continuous daily basis for long periods. If you need laxatives every day you should see your doctor. If Glycerol Suppositories are swallowed If you suspect someone may have swallowed Glycerol Suppositories contact your doctor or pharmacist taking this leaflet with you.

What Glycerol Suppositories contain

  • The active substance is glycerol
  • The other ingredients are gelatin and purified water. What Glycerol Suppositories look like and contents of the pack Gycerol Suppositories are amber torpedo shaped suppositories. Each pack contains either 12 x 1g suppositories or 12 x 2g suppositories.

4. Possible side effects Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If any of the following symptoms occur contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. These are symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • sudden wheeziness and tightness of chest
  • swelling of eyelids, face or lips
  • skin lumps or hives
  • skin rash (red spots), itchiness, fever
  • collapse Other side effects that may occur include:
  • abdominal cramps
  • irritation in or around the rectum (back passage) Reporting of side effects If you notice any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any

Contents of the pack and other information

Each 1g suppository contains 700mg glycerol. Each 2g suppository contains 1400mg glycerol. Marketing Authorisation Holder Martindale Pharmaceuticals, Bampton Road, Harold Hill, Romford, RM3 8UG, United Kingdom Manufacturer Phoenix Healthcare Limited, Cookstown Industrial Estate, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland This leaflet was last revised in July 2022. Other sources of information If you would like any more information, or would like the leaflet in a different format, please contact Medical Information at the above address.

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Continued overleaf

D05768

PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER

5768-D

100mm Measurement Verification Bar

Frequently asked questions about Glycerol 1g Suppositories

How do I take Glycerol 1g Suppositories?

Glycerol 1g Suppositories comes as suppository containing 1g. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Glycerol 1g Suppositories?

The active substance in Glycerol 1g Suppositories is glycerol.

Are there equivalent medicines to Glycerol 1g Suppositories?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Glycerin Suppositories BP 1g Infants' Size. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Glycerol 1g Suppositories, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Glycerol 1g Suppositories without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Glycerol (21 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

For occasional use as a stimulant laxative for the treatment of constipation.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

For rectal useInfants

One 1g suppository, to aid insertion the suppository tip should be moistened with water before use.

4.3. Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active substance(s) or to any of the excipients.• The product is contraindicated if there is intestinal obstruction or blockage.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

The product is intended for occasional use only. Prolonged or excessive use of the product is not recommended as this may cause diarrhoea. Use of this product may interfere with glucose control in diabetic patients. If symptoms persist consult a doctor.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

No interaction studies have been performed

4.6. Pregnancy and lactation

No evidence of harmful affects available. However, best avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. May be used during breast feeding.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

None stated

4.8. Undesirable effects

Use of the product may occasionally cause abdominal cramps. Glycerol can cause irritation when given rectally.

4.9. Overdose

Overdosage via rectal route is unlikely. However, if ingested treat symptomatically.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Glycerol 1g Suppositories. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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