What it means
Also spelled glycerol or glycerine. As a rectal suppository or enema it draws water into the lower bowel and gently irritates it, producing a bowel movement within about 15 to 60 minutes. It is often used for children. It is also a common ingredient that keeps skin and products moist.
For the nurse
Insert the suppository past the anal sphincter, against the bowel wall, and ask the client to hold it for 15 minutes if possible.
At a glance
| Drug class | osmotic laxative (rectal) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Fleet Glycerin Suppositories, Fleet Babylax |
| Also written | glycerine |
Related terms
constipation
Bowel movements that happen less often than usual, with hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass.
laxative
A drug that loosens stool or helps the bowels move, used to treat or prevent constipation.