A simple suppository laxative

Glycerol suppositories

A simple suppository inserted into the back passage to relieve constipation quickly.

What is Glycerol suppositories?

Glycerol suppositories are a simple laxative inserted into the back passage to relieve constipation. They draw water into the rectum and gently stimulate the bowel, usually working within a short time. They are intended for short-term, occasional use.

Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Glycerol suppositories — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review
Class: Laxatives →
Glycerol suppositories (Laxatives) — Meds Global Health reference card with 2D molecular structure
Glycerol suppositories — Laxatives. The image shows the active ingredient's 2D molecular structure.

What it is

Glycerol suppositories are a simple, gentle laxative given rectally. They are useful when a quick result is wanted, for example when other laxatives have not worked or when softening of the stool low down in the bowel is needed. They are intended for occasional, short-term use rather than as a regular treatment.

How it works

Once inserted, glycerol draws water into the rectum and softens the stool, while also mildly irritating the bowel lining to encourage it to contract and empty. This combination produces a bowel movement relatively quickly, usually within a short time of insertion.

Company & origin

Originated / developed by: Available as a generic medicine from several manufacturers..

A long-established, simple laxative used in the UK for many years.

Practical use

How to take Glycerol suppositories

General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.

  • Insert the suppository gently into the back passage, pointed end first.
  • Moisten it with a little water first if that makes insertion easier.
  • Try to hold it in and stay near a toilet, as it usually works quickly.
  • Use it occasionally for short-term relief rather than every day.
  • Wash your hands before and after using it.
  • If constipation keeps coming back, get it reviewed rather than relying on suppositories.

Weighing it up

Advantages & disadvantages of Glycerol suppositories

Advantages

  • Works quickly, which is helpful when fast relief is needed.
  • Acts locally low in the bowel with little absorbed into the body.
  • Simple, inexpensive and available without prescription.

Disadvantages

  • Has to be inserted rectally, which some people find unpleasant.
  • Can cause local irritation or a burning sensation in the back passage.
  • Only suitable for short-term, occasional use, not ongoing constipation.

Practical use

Good to know

They are inserted into the back passage rather than swallowed, and tend to work quickly, so it helps to be near a toilet afterwards. Moistening the suppository can make it easier to insert. They are for short-term, occasional use; persistent constipation should be reviewed rather than treated with repeated suppositories.

Who should not take it / use with caution

  • People with a suspected bowel blockage or severe, undiagnosed abdominal pain.
  • People with significant pain, bleeding or inflammation around the back passage.
  • Used with care after recent surgery or injury to the back passage.

Monitoring

  • No routine tests needed.
  • Review if constipation persists or keeps returning despite treatment.

Side effects

  • Local irritation, a burning feeling or discomfort in the back passage.
  • An urgent need to open the bowels.
  • Occasionally cramping or, with overuse, loose stools.

Key interactions

  • Very few interactions, as little is absorbed into the body.

Available as: suppositories

Answers

Glycerol suppositories: frequently asked questions

How are glycerol suppositories used?

They are inserted gently into the back passage rather than swallowed, pointed end first, and usually work within a short time.

How quickly do they work?

They generally produce a bowel movement quite quickly, so it helps to stay near a toilet after using one.

Can I use them every day?

No. They are intended for short-term, occasional relief. Constipation that keeps coming back should be reviewed by a pharmacist or doctor.

Will they cause any discomfort?

Some people notice mild local irritation or a brief burning feeling in the back passage, which usually settles quickly.

Can I use them in pregnancy?

They are often considered a gentle option, but it is best to check with your pharmacist or midwife before use in pregnancy.

The wider class

About Laxatives

Glycerol suppositories belongs to the laxatives class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.

LaxativesDifferent types for different problems — chosen by cause and stool consistency. BisacodylA stimulant laxative for short-term relief of constipation; it can cause tummy cramps and …DocusateA gentle stool-softener laxative that makes stools easier to pass; it works mildly and is …LactuloseAn osmotic laxative that softens stools by drawing water into the bowel; it takes a day or…Ispaghula huskA bulk-forming laxative (fibre) that must be taken with plenty of water; never take it jus…Sodium picosulfateA stimulant laxative, usually taken at night, for short-term constipation or to clear the …Magnesium hydroxideA gentle osmotic laxative that also works as an antacid, best known as milk of magnesia.…SennaA stimulant laxative that encourages the bowel to move, used for short-term relief of cons…MacrogolAn osmotic laxative that draws water into the bowel to soften stool and relieve constipati…Arachis oil enemaA peanut (arachis) oil retention enema used rectally to soften hard, impacted stools so th…Co-danthramerA combination stimulant laxative used mainly for constipation in people receiving palliati…Co-danthrusateA combination stimulant laxative used mainly for constipation in people receiving palliati…ElobixibatA laxative for chronic constipation that works by increasing bile acids in the bowel to dr…Glycerol suppositoryA rectal suppository that relieves constipation by softening the stool and gently stimulat…Magnesium citrateAn osmotic laxative used for constipation and to clear the bowel before procedures, workin…MethylcelluloseA bulk-forming laxative that adds bulk to the stool to ease constipation, taken with plent…NaldemedineA once-daily tablet that treats constipation caused by opioid painkillers without reducing…NaloxegolA once-daily tablet for opioid-induced constipation that blocks opioids in the gut without…Phosphate enemaA phosphate rectal enema used for rapid relief of constipation and to clear the bowel befo…PlecanatideA daily tablet used for chronic constipation and constipation-type IBS in adults.…PrucaloprideA daily tablet used for chronic constipation when ordinary laxatives have not worked well …Sodium citrate enemaA small osmotic enema inserted into the back passage to relieve occasional constipation, w…SterculiaA bulk-forming laxative made from plant fibre that treats constipation and helps regulate …

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Authoritative sources

  • BNF
  • NICE CKS

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