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Glycerin (Adult)

Glycerin (Adult) 12 Suppository

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What is Glycerin (Adult)?

Glycerin is a clear, colorless, and odorless syrupy liquid, commonly used as a humectant, solvent, and sweetener in the pharmaceutical industry. It has a wide variety of applications, including in oral, topical, and rectal formulations to provide lubrication and moisture retention. As an active ingredient, glycerin functions primarily as a hyperosmotic laxative, drawing water into the intestine to stimulate bowel movements in adults.

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What is Glycerin (Adult) ?

Glycerin is a clear, colorless, and odorless syrupy liquid, commonly used as a humectant, solvent, and sweetener in the pharmaceutical industry. It has a wide variety of applications, including in oral, topical, and rectal formulations to provide lubrication and moisture retention. As an active ingredient, glycerin functions primarily as a hyperosmotic laxative, drawing water into the intestine to stimulate bowel movements in adults.
  • Bleeding from your rectum.
  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • If you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, stop using it and talk to your doctor.
  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits lasting longer than 2 weeks.
  • This medicine should not be used for longer than one week.
How long does it take for a glycerin suppository to work?
Glycerin suppositories typically produce a bowel movement within about 15 to 60 minutes of use, since they act directly in the rectum rather than needing to move through the digestive system first.
Can you use a glycerin suppository every day?
The label advises against using it for more than one week without asking a doctor. If you find you need it daily, that's a sign to check in with your doctor about the underlying constipation rather than relying on it long-term.
Is glycerin suppository safe during pregnancy?
The product label recommends asking a doctor before use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding if you're unsure. Check with your OB or pharmacist before using it during pregnancy.
What is the difference between glycerin suppositories and Dulcolax?
Glycerin is an osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the bowel and lubricating the rectum, usually acting within 15 to 60 minutes. Dulcolax's active ingredient, bisacodyl, is a stimulant laxative that triggers the intestinal muscles to contract; as a suppository it also tends to work within about an hour, but as a tablet it generally takes longer (often overnight). They're different mechanisms, so a doctor or pharmacist can help you decide which fits your situation.
Can glycerin suppositories be used for babies or children?
Adult-strength glycerin suppositories are labeled for adults and children 12 and older. Pediatric glycerin suppository formulations exist for younger children, but the label advises asking a doctor before use in children under 2. Don't use the adult-strength product on an infant or young child; ask a pediatrician or pharmacist for the appropriate option.
How much does Glycerin (Adult) cost without insurance?
The price of Glycerin (Adult) 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. Many people save up to 42% off retail prices with a free Rx.com coupon.
What are the common side effects of Glycerin (Adult)?
Common side effects of Glycerin (Adult) may include: Bleeding from your rectum., Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list — consult your pharmacist or doctor for full side effect information.
Is there a generic version of Glycerin (Adult)?
Generic versions may be available for Glycerin (Adult). Generics contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs and are typically 80–90% cheaper. Search Glycerin (Adult) on Rx.com to compare generic and brand prices at pharmacies near you.
What is the cheapest pharmacy for Glycerin (Adult)?
The cheapest pharmacy for Glycerin (Adult) 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 (Adult) near you.

Glycerin (Adult) Coupons & Prices

Glycerin (Adult) 12 Suppository

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Glycerin (Adult) 12 suppository (1)
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Compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved and are prepared by state-licensed compounding pharmacies. They are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or equivalent to any brand-name medication or manufacturer. Prescription required; eligibility is determined by a licensed provider. Prices are estimates and may vary.

Adult glycerin suppositories are an over-the-counter osmotic laxative sold under brand names like Fleet Adult Glycerin Suppositories as well as several store-brand versions, and this page can help you find a glycerin-adult coupon and compare prices before you buy so you don't overpay at the register.

What is glycerin (adult suppository) and how does it work

Glycerin, also called glycerol, is an FDA OTC-monograph hyperosmotic laxative used for relief of occasional constipation and irregularity. The adult strength suppository is made for rectal use in adults and children 12 and older, and typically contains about 2 grams of glycerin (some products run up to roughly 2.8-3 grams per suppository).

It works by drawing water into the bowel and lubricating and gently stimulating the rectal lining, which usually produces a bowel movement within about 15 to 60 minutes. It is sold strictly as an OTC constipation remedy; a generic (store-brand) version is widely available since this is a monograph OTC product rather than a single branded drug.

How to save on glycerin adult suppositories

Because this is an over-the-counter product, it doesn't come with a manufacturer copay card the way many prescription drugs do. Prices can still vary quite a bit from one pharmacy to another, so it's worth comparing before you buy - enter your ZIP above to see today's price at pharmacies near you. In some cases an OTC item like this can actually be cheaper with a store-brand generic or a pharmacy coupon than the name brand, so it's worth checking both.

Alternatives and how it compares

Glycerin suppositories are one of several OTC options for occasional constipation. Other common choices include bisacodyl (the active ingredient in Dulcolax), which is a stimulant laxative rather than an osmotic one; docusate sodium, a stool softener; Miralax (polyethylene glycol), another osmotic laxative taken by mouth; senna, a plant-based stimulant laxative; and milk of magnesia, a saline laxative.

Glycerin suppositories tend to act faster than oral laxatives because they work directly in the rectum, which is why they're often chosen when relief is needed within the hour rather than overnight.

Safety information

Glycerin adult suppositories are for rectal use only and are considered low-risk when used as directed. They may cause mild rectal discomfort, burning, or irritation in some people.

  • Do not use if you have abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Do not use for more than one week, or if you've had a sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted over two weeks, without asking a doctor.
  • Stop use and contact a doctor if you have rectal bleeding or if the product doesn't produce a bowel movement, as this can be a sign of a more serious condition.
  • Keep out of reach of children, and ask a doctor before use in children under 2 or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding and unsure.

This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice - talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.

Sources & accuracy

This Glycerin (Adult) 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 (Adult) 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.


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