Glycerin
Glycerin is an osmotic laxative that provides relief from occasional constipation by drawing water into the intestines to soften stool and stimulate bowel movements.
Glycerin is a laxative that relieves constipation by drawing water into the intestines to soften stool and promote bowel movements.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A06AX01
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Glycerin
- Class
- atc-a06
- Brands
- Soothe Lubricant Eye Drops, Chloraseptic Max Spray, Pretz, Pedia-Lax Liquid Glycerin Suppositories, Sani-Supp, Recticare Wipes, Regener-Eyes, Abreva Rapid Pain Relief, Blink Dry Eye, Tears Naturale Forte, ProcalAmine 3, Oasis Tears
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 1.5
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 4
- Routes
- topical, ophthalmic, otic, oral, nasal, rectal
- Forms
- eye drops, nasal spray, suppositories, wipes, solutions, creams
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, Asia
- Monitoring
- dehydration, electrolyte balance
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 3000mg as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- up to once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1000-2000mg as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- up to once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1500mg as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- up to once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
consult healthcare provider before use; oral osmotic laxatives should be used only when necessary
monitor for excessive use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
consult healthcare provider before use
monitor for excessive use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
consult healthcare provider before use; avoid prolonged use
monitor for excessive use
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
generally considered safe for occasional use
none required
pediatric_age
infantsuse age-appropriate formulations only
use under pediatric supervision; not recommended for prolonged use
monitor for dehydration
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenuse weight-based dosing
use pediatric formulations as directed; do not exceed recommended dose
monitor for adequate fluid intake
geriatric
elderlystart with lowest effective dose
ensure adequate fluid intake; monitor for dehydration
monitor fluid and electrolyte balance
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment needed for topical/ophthalmic use
for oral use, ensure adequate hydration
monitor renal function periodically
renal_impairment
severeavoid high-dose oral osmotic laxatives
consult nephrologist before oral use; prefer topical formulations
monitor electrolytes and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed for topical/ophthalmic use
generally safe for topical and ophthalmic use
none required
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information for glycerin-based products
Glycerin classification as pharmaceutical excipient
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses across product categories
Safety status
Food and pharmaceutical safety classification
Relief of occasional constipation; softening of hard stool during painful bowel movements (such as after surgery or childbirth); may be used when straining should be avoided (e.g., after heart attacks or certain eye surgeries)
Glycerin acts as an osmotic laxative by drawing water into the colon through osmosis. This increases moisture content in the stool, making it softer and easier to pass, while the rectal suppository form also provides gentle local stimulation of the bowel.
Should not be used for prolonged periods without medical supervision; consult a healthcare provider if constipation persists beyond one week; rectal irritation may occur with suppository use; adequate fluid intake should be maintained during treatment; effectiveness may vary between oral and rectal formulations.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 28, 2026. · Read our editorial policy