treatment icon
treatment

Glycerin Suppositories: Remedy for Constipation Relief

Written by healthwords.ai's team of doctors and pharmacists based in UK | Updated: 25 Mar 2025 | 1 min read

Glycerin suppositories are a form of laxative, used to help relieve constipation. Laxatives come in different forms. There are tablets, liquids, sachets, and suppositories. Suppositories are not to be swallowed and are placed into the rectum, where they work locally to help relieve constipation.

Who is it for?

It’s for short-term relief of constipation when other treatments have not worked. You should first try simple measures like incorporating fruit, vegetables, and foods high in fiber into your diet, increasing your exercise, and drinking plenty of water.

Glycerin suppositories come in formulations for children and adults to relieve occasional constipation.

How does it work?

Glycerin suppositories work by mildly irritating the lower bowels, encouraging them to release stool.

Should anyone avoid using it?

Like all medications, don’t use them if you have previously had an allergic reaction to the medication or its components (glycerol) or if you have other medications or medical conditions where you would normally discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist before starting something new. You should not use this medication if you are pregnant, unless under instruction by your doctor.

Are there any side effects?

As with any medication, some people are bound to get some unwanted side effects. Some of the common ones include irritation and occasional abdominal cramps.

This article has been written by UK-based doctors and pharmacists, so some advice may not apply to US users and some suggested treatments may not be available. For more information, please see our T&Cs.