When a child has constipation, many mothers think that the only option to help the baby is an enema. However, there are also milder methods of facilitating emptying, for example, glycerin suppositories. Why buy candles with this ingredient for babies and how do they affect the body of a small child?
Release form
Medical glycerin comes in several forms:
- Rectal suppositories. Most manufacturers call them simply glycerin suppositories or suppositories with glycerin, but there is also a drug called Glycelax, which is available in two dosages. Typically, such suppositories are placed in cell packs of 5-6 pieces, and one pack includes 5, 10 or 12 suppositories.
- A solution that is used externally. It is sold in dark glass vials, inside which there are 25, 40, 50 or more grams of the drug in the form of a cheese-like colorless transparent liquid without any odor.
Composition
The main component of any form of the drug is glycerin, which is also called glycerol. In candles, solid fats, monoglycerides, polysorbate and other ingredients can complement it.
Operating principle
The action of glycerol depends on the way it is used and the dosage form:
- With the introduction of suppositories into the rectum, glycerin in their composition begins to irritate the mucous membrane, as a result of which the contraction of the intestinal smooth muscles is reflexively stimulated. It also helps to soften the stool, making it easier and faster to pass through the colon. The appearance of a laxative effect from such suppositories is observed 15-30 minutes after use.
- Applying glycerin to the skin softens it and protects it from adverse effects, and also activates metabolic processes in the skin. These effects are used by pharmacists to make ointments and other topical medications.
Neurology uses the property of glycerol to increase osmotic pressure. With cerebral edema, ingested or injected glycerol provokes the transition of water from the brain tissue to the plasma, as a result of which the intracranial pressure decreases. The same action of glycerin causes a decrease in intraocular pressure, which is in demand in ophthalmology.
Traditional medicine recommends using glycerin, honey and lemon for cough suppressants. This combination of ingredients softens the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, which helps to eliminate dry cough.
To prepare a remedy, juice is squeezed out of lemon, mixed with glycerin and honey, and then given to children with a debilitating cough up to 6-8 times during the day.
Indications
The main reason for using glycerin in children is constipation. A medication in candles is prescribed for hypotonic, psychogenic, functional or other type of constipation.
Topical application of liquid glycerin is recommended for dry skin. Neurologists prescribe parenteral or oral glycerol for increased intracranial pressure and cerebral edema, and ophthalmologists for an acute attack of glaucoma and during eye surgeries.
From what age is it allowed to take?
Glycerin suppositories are prescribed for babies from the age of three months, although in some cases the doctor may recommend this way to get rid of constipation even for newborns.
Contraindications
You cannot use glycerin:
- If you are hypersensitive to this substance.
- With diarrhea.
- With exacerbation of hemorrhoids.
- With inflammation of the rectum.
- With anal fissures.
- With appendicitis.
- With renal failure.
- With tumors in the rectum.
- With bleeding.
Before giving a patient to drink such a drug or injecting it intravenously, it is imperative to assess the possible risks, because such treatment can harm heart disease, diabetes mellitus, liver problems and other pathologies.
Side effects
In rare cases, suppositories with glycerin cause intestinal discomfort or irritation. Such negative effects of the drug are usually revealed with excessive prolonged use.
Instructions for use and dosage
- Rectal suppository with glycerin is administered 1 time per day. There is no need to lubricate the candle before the introduction of the drug. About 20 minutes before use, the suppository should be removed from the refrigerator and left at room temperature. You can also warm the candle or part of it in your palms.
- Before use, the medication is released from the packaging, and the child is laid on one side. Gently introducing the candle into the anus to a sufficient depth, it is required to squeeze the baby's buttocks and hold them for about 5 minutes so that the drug lingers in the intestines.
- If the glycerin solution is used externally, then it is applied to the mucous membrane or skin as needed.
- Glycerin suppositories are not recommended for regular use or for long periods of time. Once the stool has normalized, the medication is no longer used. The recommended frequency of use is once every 3 days. The drug is not used for more than 7 days.
- Prophylactic use of suppositories is not recommended.
Overdose
Systemic treatment with an increased dose of glycerin leads to dizziness, dry mouth, headache, vomiting, increased thirst, diarrhea, nausea and other negative symptoms.
Interaction with other drugs
If glycerol is used systemically, then it is able to enhance the therapeutic effect of diuretic drugs, as well as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. When applied topically, no interaction with other drugs is noted.
Terms of sale
Glycerin is sold over the counter without a prescription and is available anywhere in our country. The cost of the medication depends on the manufacturer and packaging. The average price of 10-12 candles with glycerin is 160 rubles.
Storage conditions and shelf life
It is recommended to store glycerin in suppositories or solution at temperatures from +8 to +15 degrees Celsius in a dry place where small children cannot get the medicine. Suppositories usually have a shelf life of 2 years.
Reviews
Suppositories with glycerin receive mostly good reviews from parents. Such a drug is praised for its safety in childhood, availability in pharmacies and low cost, as well as ease of use. Mothers note that suppositories act very quickly and bowel emptying in most cases occurs 5-15 minutes after the candle is inserted.
Analogs
Replacing glycerin suppositories for constipation in babies is best chosen together with a doctor.
The pediatrician may prescribe:
- Duphalac. This lactulose-based syrup is allowed from birth and is often used in children with difficulty emptying.
- Microlax. This medication is represented by microclysters with a solution based on sorbitol, lauryl sulfoacetate and sodium citrate. It can be used at any age.
- Forlax. This mild laxative containing macrogol comes in a powder that is diluted and given to children over 6 months of age.
You can find out about laxatives from the program of Dr. Komarovsky in the next video.
