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Rectal glycerin is used to help with constipation. Common side effects include a burning feeling or irritation in your rectum. Do not use rectal glycerin if you have nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain with your constipation. Stop using rectal glycerin and contact your health care provider if you have blood in your poop or if you do not poop after using rectal glycerin.

Uses

What is rectal glycerin used for?

Rectal glycerin is a laxative that is commonly used to help relieve constipation. 

Rectal glycerin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Other forms of glycerin are available for use in the eyes. See Glycerin ophthalmic for more information.

How does rectal glycerin work (mechanism of action)?

Rectal glycerin is an osmotic laxative. It pulls water into the intestines to soften poop. Softer poop is easier to pass and can help relieve constipation.

How is rectal glycerin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Fleet
  • Pedia-Lax

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 gram, 1.2 gram, 2 gram, 2.1 gram suppositories
  • 2.8 gram liquid suppositories
  • 5.4 gram suspension enema0

How should I store rectal glycerin?

Storage requirements for rectal glycerin may not always be provided with the product packaging. Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets. Do not store in direct sunlight or excessive heat. If provided, follow the storage instructions that come with your product. If you are unsure how to store rectal glycerin, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of rectal glycerin?

The most common side effects of rectal glycerin are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Rectal burning sensation or irritation
  • Feeling like you need to poop

There may be other side effects of rectal glycerin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of rectal glycerin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of rectal glycerin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Rectal glycerin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using rectal glycerin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use rectal glycerin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use rectal glycerin.

  • Fleet
  • Glycerin
  • Pedia-Lax
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific rectal glycerin products they stock.

What should I know about rectal glycerin before using it?

Rectal glycerin is available as an enema or suppository that is put in your rectum. Read and follow the instructions that come with your product. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use rectal glycerin. If you have any questions, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider. If rectal glycerin is accidentally swallowed, get help right away or call a Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.

Keep rectal glycerin out of the reach of children.

Stop using rectal glycerin and contact your health care provider if any of the following happen.

  • You have rectal bleeding.
  • You have not pooped within about an hour of using it.
  • You continue to have trouble with constipation after one week of use.

What should I tell my health care provider before using rectal glycerin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if rectal glycerin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Sudden change in your pooping habits lasting longer than two weeks
  • You have already used a laxative for longer than one week
  • Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain with your constipation
  • A gut blockage or tear

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how rectal glycerin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use rectal glycerin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if rectal glycerin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use rectal glycerin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does rectal glycerin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between rectal glycerin and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect rectal glycerin.

Does rectal glycerin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between rectal glycerin and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much rectal glycerin?

If you or someone else has used too much rectal glycerin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of rectal glycerin?

Rectal glycerin is meant to be used only when needed. Use it according to the product label or as your health care provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.