GLYCELAX 1400 MG 12 SUPPOSITORY

Indications

Approved Uses

Short-term relief of occasional constipation (to induce a bowel movement).

Dosage & Administration

Dosing by Condition

Occasional constipation: Insert 1 suppository (1400 mg) rectally once daily as needed (typically single dose).

Initial Dose

1 suppository (1400 mg) rectally as a single dose

Maintenance Dose

1 suppository rectally once daily as needed; not intended for daily long-term use

Maximum Dose

Maximum dose: 1 suppository rectally once daily as needed; do not use longer than 7 days without medical advice.

Children's Dosage

Children 2-12 years: pediatric glycerin suppositories (lower strength, typically 1000 mg) are recommended; children under 2 years: use only under medical supervision

Dose Adjustment Notes

No renal or hepatic dose adjustment is required due to minimal systemic absorption; use caution/avoid use in patients with significant rectal pathology (e.g., severe hemorrhoids, fissures, proctitis) or unexplained rectal bleeding.

How to Take

For rectal use only. Wash hands before and after use. Remove the suppository from the blister/wrapper. If soft, chill briefly; you may moisten the tip with cool water (avoid petroleum jelly). Lie on your side (often left side) with upper knee bent, gently insert the pointed end into the rectum (past the sphincter) as far as comfortable. Remain lying for ~10-15 minutes and try to retain until the urge to pass stool; a bowel movement usually occurs within 15-60 minutes.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Rectal irritation/discomfort or burning, abdominal cramping, urgency to defecate; rarely nausea.

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

Contraindications: hypersensitivity to glycerin/excipients; intestinal obstruction/ileus; acute surgical abdomen or undiagnosed abdominal pain; severe dehydration; and avoid use with significant rectal pathology (e.g., painful fissures/proctitis or active rectal bleeding) unless medically directed.

Warnings & Precautions

Warnings/precautions: do not use >7 days without clinician advice; avoid use if abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, or suspected obstruction; stop and consult a clinician if rectal bleeding occurs or if no bowel movement after use; avoid frequent use (risk of dependence/irritation); maintain hydration and fiber as foundational therapy.

Age Restriction

Rectal glycerin 1400 mg suppository is generally an adult/adolescent strength; use in children should follow age/weight-specific labeling (commonly: consult a clinician for children <2 years, and use pediatric strengths for younger children).

Driving Warning

Safe

Drug Interactions

Drug Interactions

No clinically significant drug interactions are expected due to minimal systemic absorption; caution with frequent/prolonged use alongside other laxatives because additive diarrhea/dehydration can secondarily affect electrolytes and the tolerability of other medicines.

Interaction Severity

No clinically significant drug interactions are expected; additive laxative effects can occur if combined with other laxatives (caution with overuse).

Food Interaction

No known food interactions / not applicable.

Special Populations

Children

Children 2-12 years: pediatric glycerin suppositories (lower strength, typically 1000 mg) are recommended; children under 2 years: use only under medical supervision

Storage & Patient Advice

Missed Dose

Used as needed; if you forget a dose, use when needed-do not insert two doses at the same time.

Stopping the Medicine

Safe to stop anytime; no tapering required

Overdose

Overdose/excess use is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity but may cause rectal irritation/burning, cramping, diarrhea, and dehydration; management is discontinuation and supportive care (fluids/electrolytes) and seek medical attention if severe symptoms or bleeding occur.

Patient Counseling

For rectal use only; do not swallow. Use 1 suppository once daily as needed for occasional constipation; expect a bowel movement within 15-60 minutes. Do not use for more than 7 days unless advised by a clinician. Stop and seek medical advice if rectal bleeding, severe pain, no bowel movement after use, or symptoms of dehydration occur. Support prevention with adequate fluids, dietary fiber, and activity; seek evaluation for persistent constipation or alarm symptoms.

Monitoring Requirements

No routine monitoring required for short-term use; monitor for rectal irritation or bleeding with repeated use

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Hyperosmotic and lubricating local laxative: draws water into the rectum, softens stool, and stimulates rectal peristalsis to promote defecation.

Onset of Action

Typically 15-60 minutes after insertion (often ~15-30 minutes).

Duration of Effect

Effect is short and limited to triggering a bowel movement; it does not provide prolonged relief after evacuation.

Half-Life

Not clinically applicable for the suppository due to minimal systemic absorption (no meaningful systemic half-life).

Bioavailability

Minimal systemic absorption; primarily local rectal action (osmotic laxative).

Metabolism

If absorbed, glycerin is metabolized mainly in the liver (and other tissues) via pathways entering glycolysis/gluconeogenesis.

Excretion

Primarily eliminated locally with feces; any small absorbed fraction is metabolized and ultimately excreted renally as metabolites.

Protein Binding

Negligible/none (not clinically relevant given minimal systemic absorption).

Product Information

Available Dosage Forms

Suppository (rectal).

Composition per Dose

Each suppository: 1400 mg glycerin

Generic Availability

Yes

OTC Alternatives

Bisacodyl suppositories; oral osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol (macrogol/PEG 3350) or lactulose; stimulant laxatives such as senna; rectal enemas (e.g., sodium phosphate) where appropriate.

Gi Condition

Constipation

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