Glycerin Suppositories Side Effects

As we all know, laxatives are medications given to people suffering from constipation. Laxatives act as stool softeners that promote smooth bowel movement. Generally, they are given orally but can also be administered rectally. Laxatives that are pushed through the rectum for bowel evacuation are known as suppositories. A suppository is a cone shaped medication that melts when inserted into the rectum. The melted suppository then draws water from the large intestine, in order to soften the hardened fecal matter. Severe cases of constipation are usually treated with glycerin suppositories. Side effects may occur but usually do not require any medical treatment.

Benefits

Want to get quick relief from painful bowel movement? Using fleet glycerin suppositories is a good option. Actually fleet is the brand name of the company selling these products. Although the suppositories do help to relieve constipation symptoms, they are generally used when oral laxatives are unable to eliminate the fecal matter. Insertion of glycerin suppository produces bowel movement within 10 - 15 minutes. This is not the case with oral laxatives as they are usually taken at night and the person experiences bowel movement only in the morning. There are glycerin suppositories for all ages but in any case consult a doctor before using them.

Side Effects

Rectal Irritation
Many people complain about burning sensation in the rectal area upon insertion. In women, the irritation occurs at the vagina and the cervix. However, this anal irritation is bearable and a precursor to bowel movement.

Abdominal Pain
When a glycerin suppository is inserted, few patients experience stomach cramps. But usually, this abdominal pain usually vanishes after bowel evacuation.

Swelling in the Rectal Area
Rectal inflammation is yet another minor side effect associated with use of these suppositories. This is how the body may respond when a foreign object is inserted into the rectal area. Rectal swelling that has occurred in very few cases is not a cause for concern, as it disappears on its own without any treatment.

Diarrhea
People who are depending on bowel evacuation and are using it on a regular basis are bound to experience diarrhea. Abuse of suppositories cannot be tolerated by the body and so the person may suffer from diarrhea.

Breathing Problems
Those, who are allergic to glycerin, may face this problem. Although breathing difficulty might not be bothersome, it is a serious issue and in such cases avoiding use of these suppositories is recommended.

Skin Problems
In some cases, occasional usage of glycerin suppositories causes formation of skin rash or hives, it is an indication of body's intolerance towards glycerin. Sometimes appearance of skin rash is accompanied by swelling on the face and lips.

Complications

Sometimes, rectal bleeding may occur especially when the muscles in the rectum get damaged while inserting the suppository. This normally occurs when people are unaware about how to use suppositories safely. Many times, doctor recommend to cut the suppository in two halves and insert only half of the suppository. Not following this advice and using the entire suppository can lead to rectal bleeding.

Although in most cases, side effects of these suppositories are mild, their long term use is not advisable. Remember, use of these suppositories is recommended only when constipation does not stop with oral laxatives. It is the last option to promote bowel evacuation and hence should be used occasionally.