Glycerin rectal is used as a laxative. It works by causing the intestines to hold more water, which softens the stool.

Glycerin rectal is used to treat constipation or to cleanse the bowel before a rectal exam or other intestinal procedure.

Glycerin rectal may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Before using glycerin rectal, tell your doctor if you have nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits that has lasted for 2 weeks or longer, toxic megacolon, or if you have used another laxative for longer than 1 week.

Do not take glycerin rectal by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

Call your doctor if this medication does not cause you to have a bowel movement within 1 hour after use.

Do not use glycerin rectal more than once in a 24-hour period. Do not use other laxatives in combination with glycerin rectal unless your doctor has told you to.

Stop using glycerin rectal and call your doctor at once if you have severe stomach pain or cramping, bloody diarrhea, or severe rectal pain, bleeding, or irritation.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to glycerin.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using glycerin rectal, tell your doctor if you have:

• nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain;

• rectal bleeding;

• a change in bowel habits that has lasted for 2 weeks or longer;

• intestinal blockage;

• ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon; or

• if you have used another laxative for longer than 1 week.

It is not known whether glycerin rectal is harmful to an unborn baby when used during pregnancy. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Do not use this medication in a child younger than 2 years old. Seek your doctor's advice when using glycerin rectal in a child who is 2 to 5 years old.