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Glycerin

Glycerin 473ML of

What is Glycerin?

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a simple polyol compound commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations as a humectant, solvent, and preservative. It exhibits hygroscopic properties, helping to retain moisture in products and stabilize active ingredients, making it beneficial in a wide range of medications including topical creams, ointments, and oral syrups.

Prescription savings · · · ·

What is Glycerin ?

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a simple polyol compound commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations as a humectant, solvent, and preservative. It exhibits hygroscopic properties, helping to retain moisture in products and stabilize active ingredients, making it beneficial in a wide range of medications including topical creams, ointments, and oral syrups.
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Excessive thirst
  • Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, swelling)
  • Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using glycerin.
  • Do not use if you have kidney disease or are sensitive to glycerin.
  • Excessive use may result in electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.
  • Stop use and seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat.
How fast does a glycerin suppository work?
Most people have a bowel movement within about 15 minutes to an hour after inserting a glycerin suppository.
Is glycerin safe to use every day?
It's labeled for occasional use. The label advises against using it for more than about a week without checking with a doctor, since regular laxative use should be discussed with a provider.
Do you need a prescription for glycerin suppositories?
No, glycerin suppositories and enemas are sold over the counter without a prescription.
What's the difference between glycerin and docusate?
Glycerin is a rectal hyperosmotic laxative that produces a bowel movement quickly, while docusate is an oral or rectal stool softener that works more gradually to prevent straining.
Can children use glycerin suppositories?
There are child-specific glycerin suppository formulations, but a doctor should be consulted before giving any laxative to a child under 2, and dosing differs from the adult product.
How much does Glycerin cost without insurance?
The price of Glycerin without insurance varies by pharmacy, dosage, and quantity. Rx.com compares cash prices at more than 60,000 US pharmacies so you can find the lowest price near you.
What are the common side effects of Glycerin?
Common side effects of Glycerin may include: Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting, Excessive thirst. This is not a complete list — consult your pharmacist or doctor for full side effect information.
Is there a generic version of Glycerin?
Generic versions may be available for Glycerin. Generics contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs and are typically 80–90% cheaper. Search Glycerin on Rx.com to compare generic and brand prices at pharmacies near you.
What is the cheapest pharmacy for Glycerin?
The cheapest pharmacy for Glycerin depends on your location and dosage. Rx.com compares prices at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and thousands of independent pharmacies. Enter your ZIP code on Rx.com to find the lowest price for Glycerin near you.

Glycerin Coupons & Prices

Glycerin 473ML of

Glycerin Bottle — prescription drug image
Prescription
Glycerin 473ml of (1)
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Glycerin prices by dosage

Lowest cash price with a free Rx.com coupon vs. the average retail price.

Dosage Quantity Retail price Rx.com price
1ml of · Bottle 28 $8.92
100ml of · Bottle 150 $37.09 $28.23
177ml of · Bottle 531 $37.99 $25.33
473ml of · Bottle 473 $33.31 $25.65
500ml of · Bottle 900 $181.08 $144.36
4000ml of · Bottle 40 $10.44
20000ml of · Bottle 1,000 $256.50 $159.85

Cash prices near ZIP 77433; updated regularly. Actual pharmacy price may vary.

Glycerin is an over-the-counter laxative, sold as a rectal suppository or enema, used for occasional constipation. It's available without a prescription at most pharmacies, but if your doctor has recommended it or you'd rather buy it through Rx.com, enter your ZIP above to see today's price and find a glycerin coupon nearby.

What is glycerin and how does it work?

Glycerin is a hyperosmotic laxative. As a rectal suppository or enema, it draws water into the bowel and directly stimulates the rectal lining, which softens stool and triggers a bowel movement, usually within about 15 minutes to an hour. It's labeled for occasional constipation and is not meant for regular, long-term use — the label advises against use for more than about a week without talking to a doctor.

Saving on glycerin

Because glycerin suppositories and enemas are sold over the counter, prices are usually low, but they can still vary by pharmacy, brand, and package size (adult vs. children's formulations). Comparing prices before you buy — or using a coupon at checkout — can still make a difference, especially if a doctor's office or hospital has recommended it as part of a bowel regimen and you're picking it up repeatedly.

Glycerin vs. other over-the-counter laxatives

  • Docusate sodium is a stool softener rather than a stimulant, often used to prevent straining rather than to trigger an immediate bowel movement.
  • Bisacodyl suppositories are a stimulant laxative that also produces a bowel movement, typically within an hour.
  • Polyethylene glycol 3350 is an oral osmotic laxative used for longer or more regular management of constipation, rather than for quick relief.

Safety information

Glycerin suppositories are for rectal use only and are not meant to be swallowed. Mild rectal discomfort or a burning sensation can occur. Stop and contact a doctor if you notice rectal bleeding, if you still haven't had a bowel movement after using it, or if you have ongoing abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. This is general information, not medical advice — check with a doctor or pharmacist about how to use glycerin safely, especially for children or if you have ongoing constipation.

Sources & accuracy

This Glycerin information was written and reviewed against authoritative U.S. medical sources — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), DailyMed, and FDA prescribing information — and checked for accuracy. It is provided for education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Verify the official label: Glycerin on DailyMed (FDA)

Reviewed against FDA labeling · Last reviewed July 2026

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Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. 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 doctor or 911 immediately.