Walgreens Glycerin

Description

Glycerin is a clear, colorless, and odorless viscous liquid. It is characterized by its high viscosity and is commonly used in various pharmaceutical formulations. The formulation includes inactive ingredients such as purified water, propylene glycol, sodium benzoate, and flavoring agents.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the relief of occasional constipation. It typically produces a bowel movement within 15 minutes to 1 hour of administration.

Limitations of Use: There are no known teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this product.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children aged 6 years and older are advised to administer a single daily dosage of 1 suppository, or as directed by a healthcare professional. For children under 6 years of age, consultation with a doctor is recommended prior to administration.

For optimal administration, the following positions may be utilized:

• Left-side position: The patient should lie on their left side with the right knee bent and arms resting comfortably.

• Knee-chest position: The patient should kneel and then lower their head and chest forward until the left side of their face is resting on a surface, with the left arm folded comfortably.

When administering the laxative, it is crucial to follow these steps:

1. Caution: Remove the orange protective shield before inserting the suppository.

2. Hold the unit upright, grasping the bottle with one hand while using the other hand to gently pull the protective shield away.

3. With steady pressure, insert the tip into the rectum using a slight side-to-side movement, ensuring the tip is pointed toward the navel.

   • Important: Do not force the applicator tip into the rectum, as this may cause injury.

   • Insertion may be facilitated if the individual receiving the suppository bears down as if having a bowel movement, which helps relax the muscles around the anus.

4. Squeeze the accordion bottle completely to expel the liquid. While continuing to apply pressure to the bottle, remove the tip from the rectum and discard the unit. Note that the unit contains more liquid than is necessary for effective use, and a small amount will remain in the unit after administration.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in patients experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting unless directed by a healthcare professional.

Additionally, discontinue use and consult a physician if rectal bleeding occurs or if there is no bowel movement within one hour of administration, as these symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition.

Warnings and Precautions

The use of this product is associated with certain warnings and precautions that healthcare professionals should be aware of to ensure patient safety.

Warnings This product is intended for rectal use only. Patients may experience rectal discomfort or a burning sensation upon application.

General Precautions It is advised that this product not be used in the presence of abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider.

Emergency Situations In the event of accidental ingestion, immediate medical assistance should be sought. Healthcare professionals should instruct patients to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 without delay.

When to Discontinue Use Patients should be advised to stop using this product and consult a healthcare provider if they experience rectal bleeding or if there is no bowel movement within one hour of administration. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires further evaluation.

Side Effects

Patients may experience certain adverse reactions associated with the use of this product. Notably, some individuals may report rectal discomfort or a burning sensation, which is a common side effect. It is important to note that this product is intended for rectal use only.

In the event of rectal bleeding or if there is no bowel movement within 1 hour of using this product, patients should discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional, as these symptoms may indicate a serious condition.

Additionally, patients are advised to seek medical advice before using any laxative if they have experienced a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks or if they have already used a laxative for more than 1 week.

Drug Interactions

There are no specific drug interactions or laboratory test interactions identified in the available data. Therefore, no dosage adjustments or monitoring recommendations are necessary at this time.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Walgreens Glycerin (glycerin suspension). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients aged 6 years and older may receive a single daily dosage of 1 suppository or as directed by a healthcare professional. For children under 6 years of age, it is recommended to consult a doctor for appropriate dosing guidance.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not have specific information regarding the use of this medication, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any adverse effects or changes in therapeutic response, given the lack of targeted data for this population.

Pregnancy

There is no specific information available regarding the use of this product during pregnancy, including safety concerns, dosage modifications, or special precautions. Healthcare professionals should consider the lack of data when prescribing this product to pregnant patients and weigh the potential risks and benefits. Women of childbearing potential should be counseled on the importance of effective contraception during treatment.

Lactation

Nursing mothers should consult a doctor before using this product. There is a potential for excretion in breast milk, and the effects on nursing infants are not well studied; therefore, caution is advised.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have not been specifically addressed in the available data regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with reduced kidney function, as the lack of information necessitates careful clinical judgment and monitoring of these patients.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to the use of this medication. Consequently, there are no established dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the available information.

Overdosage

In the absence of specific information regarding overdosage, healthcare professionals are advised to exercise caution and adhere to general principles of management in cases of suspected overdose.

It is essential to monitor the patient closely for any potential symptoms that may arise, as the lack of detailed overdosage data necessitates a vigilant approach. Symptoms may vary depending on the substance involved and the individual patient's response.

In the event of an overdose, the following management procedures are recommended:

1. Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of the patient's clinical status, including vital signs and level of consciousness.

2. Supportive Care: Provide supportive care as needed, which may include airway management, oxygen supplementation, and intravenous fluids.

3. Consultation: Consider consulting a poison control center or a medical toxicologist for guidance on specific management strategies tailored to the situation.

4. Documentation: Document all findings, interventions, and the patient's response to treatment meticulously.

Healthcare professionals should remain vigilant and prepared to implement appropriate interventions based on the clinical presentation of the patient.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects have been reported in the available nonclinical studies. Additionally, there is no information regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology. The absence of data limits the assessment of potential risks associated with the use of the compound in question. Further studies may be necessary to elucidate these aspects of nonclinical toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified reports of rectal discomfort and a burning sensation associated with the use of the product. These events were reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 if the product is swallowed. It is important to inform patients that the product should not be used in the presence of abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting unless directed by a physician.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience rectal bleeding or if there is no bowel movement within one hour of using the product, as these symptoms may indicate a serious condition.

Additionally, healthcare providers should encourage patients to ask a doctor before using any laxative if they have experienced a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than two weeks or if they have already used a laxative for more than one week. This precaution is essential to ensure the safe and effective use of laxatives.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in bottles, which should be kept in their original carton until use. It is essential to store the product at room temperature to maintain its integrity and effectiveness.

Additional Clinical Information

The route of administration for the product is rectal, with a recommended single daily dosage of one suppository for adults and children aged 6 years and older, or as directed by a physician. For children under 6 years, consultation with a doctor is advised.

Clinicians should counsel patients that the product may cause rectal discomfort or a burning sensation and is intended for rectal use only. It should not be used in the presence of abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting unless directed by a healthcare professional. Patients are advised to seek medical advice before using any laxative if they experience a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than two weeks or if they have used a laxative for more than one week. They should discontinue use and consult a doctor if rectal bleeding occurs or if there is no bowel movement within one hour of administration, as these may indicate a serious condition. In case of accidental ingestion, patients should seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Walgreens Glycerin, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)