Glycerol is a drug to treat constipation, cough, and dry skin. In addition, glycerol or glycerin can also be used to increase skin moisture, and reduce pressure on the eyeball due to glaucoma.
Glycerol works by pulling water in the body. In overcoming constipation, glycerol draws water into the large intestine, causing stimulation to defecate within 15-60 minutes.
While in the blood vessels, glycerol also draws water into the bloodstream, so water can stay in the body for a longer time.
Glycerol trademark:Bonvit, Eas Pfrimmer, Erpha Livita Baby, Eyefresh Plus, Glycerol, Glyserol, Isotic Tearin, Kompolax, Lipomed 20% MCT/LCT, Laxadine, Salbron Expectorant, Triolax, Visine Tears
What is Glycerol
| group | Laxatives (laxatives) |
| Category | Free medicine |
| Benefit | Overcome constipation, cough, and dry skin |
| Used by | Adults and children 3 months and over |
| Glycerol for pregnant and lactating women | Category N:Not categorized. It is not known whether glycerol can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Syrups, caplets, injections, eye drops, suppositories, topical fluids, enema fluids (fluids entered through the rectum) |
Precautions Before Using Glycerol
There are several things you should pay attention to before using glycerol, namely:
- Do not use glycerol you have an allergy to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon, bleeding from the rectum (anus), hypervolemia (excess fluid in the body), heart failure, kidney disease, diabetes, or dehydration.
- Please exercise caution when using glycerol if you are pregnant, nursing, or planning a pregnancy.
- Please be careful when using glycerol if you experience stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- Consult your doctor before using glycerol if you have constipation that has lasted for 2 weeks.
- It is recommended not to use glycerol for more than 1 week. Immediately consult a doctor if complaints do not improve.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements.
- If you have an allergic drug reaction or overdose after using glycerol, see a doctor immediately.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Glycerol
The dosage of glycerol is divided based on the condition being treated and the dosage form of the drug. The following are the glycerol doses that doctors usually recommend:
Condition: Constipation
Suppository drug form
- Mature: 2-3 grams once a day
- Children 2–5 years: 1–1.2 grams once a day
- Children 6 years and over: 2–2.1 grams once a day
Condition: Cough
Syrup form with 15% glycerol content
- Adults and children >1 year: 5-10 ml 3-4 times a day
- Children 3 months to < 12 months: 5 ml 3-4 times a day
Condition: Dry skin
The medicinal form of the cream is 20% or 40%
- Adults and children: Apply the cream regularly on the skin
How to Use Glycerol Correctly
Use glycerol as directed by your doctor or the information listed on the package. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Glycerol suppositories are used by insertion through the anus or rectum. To use glycerol suppositories, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before opening the medicine package. You can store the medicine in the refrigerator first if the texture of the medicine is too soft.
- Tear off a strip of medicine and open the plastic packaging by grasping the two opening valves. Pull both valves carefully to open the tip of the medication. If necessary, the tip of the medicine can be moistened with water to help insert the medicine into the anus.
- Lie on your side and place your knees in contact with your chest.
- Use your middle or index finger to insert the tip of the medicine into the anus. Push the medicine with your fingers until you feel it is deep enough.
- Straighten both legs. Try to stay comfortable and relaxed to keep the drug in the anus.
- Give it 15–20 minutes for the drug to take effect.
- Lastly, wash your hands thoroughly.
To use the enema fluid, squeeze the bottle until all of the liquid is passed through the rectum. Glycerol suppositories or liquid enema can trigger you to have a bowel movement for 15–60 minutes.
If you forget to use glycerol, use it immediately when you remember if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store glycerol in a cool place, away from heat, humidity, and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Glycerol Interaction with Drugs and Other Ingredients
Avoid using glycerol with other laxatives, unless advised by your doctor. Although the effect is not yet known, using glycerol with other drugs or ingredients can cause drug interactions.
Side Effects and Dangers of Glycerol
The following are some side effects that may occur after using glycerol based on the dosage form of the drug.
Oral glycerol can cause side effects such as:
- bloating
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Thirst
- Diarrhea
Topical glycerol can cause the skin to:
- Looks red
- Feel itchy
- There is a burning sensation
Glycerol suppositories can cause side effects such as:
- Burning sensation or irritation in the rectum
- stomach cramps
- Stool contains mucus
Meanwhile, injectable glycerol can cause side effects in the form of damage to red blood cells.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the above-mentioned complaints. It is also necessary to consult a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Bloody stools or bleeding from the rectum
- Continuous diarrhea