Glycerin (glycerin)
Laxatives Rectal Suppository, Rectal; Topical Solution, Non-Oral
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Glycerin (glycerol), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and sorbitol are hyperosmotic laxatives.
USES: This product is used to relieve occasional constipation. Glycerin belongs to a class of drugs known as hyperosmotic laxatives. It works by drawing water into the intestines.
This effect usually results in a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes. For adults, the normal frequency of bowel movements varies from once daily to 1 to 2 times weekly. For preschool-aged children, the normal frequency of bowel movements varies from once daily to once every other day.
Constipation is best treated by drinking plenty of fluids, eating foods high in fiber, and exercising regularly.
Generic name: glycerin
Pronunciation: (GLIS-er-in)
Drug class: Laxatives
Therapeutic class: Gastrointestinal Therapy Agents
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Glycerin
Indications
The following indications are listed for Glycerin:
- Constipation
Dosing
Prior to bowel cleansing, a copy of the patient information (containing careful instructions on the proper methods of reconstitution and administration of the laxatives) provided by the manufacturer should be given to the patient.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
Laxatives/Trofinetide
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Trofinetide commonly causes diarrhea of mild to moderate severity. Laxatives may increase the incidence or severity of diarrhea.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of laxatives with trofinetide may increase the risk of severe diarrhea.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Patients should stop laxatives before starting trofinetide. If diarrhea occurs, consider anti-diarrheal treatment and monitor hydration status. If severe diarrhea or dehydration occurs, interrupt, reduce dose, or discontinue trofinetide.(1)
DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, 85% of patients on trofinetide developed diarrhea. Concurrent use of laxatives may increase this risk.(1)
Laxatives; Stool Softeners/Tenapanor
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Tenapanor commonly causes diarrhea of mild to moderate severity. Laxatives and stool softeners may increase the incidence or severity of diarrhea.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of laxatives or stool softeners with tenapanor may increase the risk of severe diarrhea.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of tenapanor states that patients should be instructed to avoid stool softeners and laxatives with tenapanor. If severe diarrhea occurs, tenapanor should be discontinued.(1)
DISCUSSION: In clinical trials, 43-53% of CKD patients on dialysis treated with tenapanor developed diarrhea. Diarrhea usually occurred soon after treatment initiation and was severe in 5% of patients.(1)
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
- Appendicitis
- Gastrointestinal obstruction
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
- Fecal incontinence
Adverse reactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Rare or Very Rare
- Perianal irritation
- Rectal pain
- Tenesmus
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Constipation | ||
| K59.0 | ICD10CM | Constipation |
| K59.00 | ICD10CM | Constipation, unspecified |
| K59.01 | ICD10CM | Slow transit constipation |
| K59.03 | ICD10CM | Drug induced constipation |
| K59.04 | ICD10CM | Chronic idiopathic constipation |
| K59.09 | ICD10CM | Other constipation |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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