How often can glycerin suppositories be given to infants. What are the proper dosing instructions for infant glycerin suppositories. Are there any side effects or precautions to consider when using glycerin suppositories in babies. How do glycerin suppositories work to relieve constipation in infants.

Understanding Glycerin Suppositories for Infant Constipation

Glycerin suppositories are a common remedy for occasional constipation in infants. These small, bullet-shaped medications are inserted rectally to stimulate bowel movements. But how do they work, and what should parents know before using them?

Glycerin belongs to a class of drugs known as hyperosmotic laxatives. Its primary mechanism of action involves drawing water into the intestines, which softens stool and promotes bowel movements. This effect typically results in a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes after insertion.

How Glycerin Suppositories Work in Infants

When inserted into the rectum, glycerin suppositories create an osmotic effect. This means they attract water from surrounding tissues into the bowel, increasing the water content of the stool. The added moisture softens the stool, making it easier to pass. Additionally, the presence of the suppository itself can stimulate the natural reflex to have a bowel movement.

Proper Usage and Administration of Infant Glycerin Suppositories

Administering glycerin suppositories to infants requires care and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide for parents and caregivers:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after the procedure.
2. If the suppository feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or run it under cold water before use.
3. Remove the foil wrapper from the suppository.
4. You may moisten the suppository with lukewarm water if desired, but avoid using petroleum jelly or mineral oil as these can reduce effectiveness.
5. Have the child lie on their side with the lower leg straightened and the upper leg bent towards the stomach.
6. Gently insert the suppository into the rectum, pointed end first, using your finger.
7. Hold the buttocks together for a few seconds to prevent the suppository from slipping out.
8. Keep the child lying down for 15 to 20 minutes if possible to allow the suppository to take effect.

Dosage Frequency for Infant Glycerin Suppositories

Is there a limit to how often glycerin suppositories can be used in infants? Generally, it’s recommended not to use this product more than once daily unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider. Overuse can lead to dependence and interfere with the body’s natural bowel function.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While glycerin suppositories are generally considered safe for occasional use in infants, they can cause some side effects. Parents should be aware of these potential issues:

• Rectal irritation or burning sensation
• Abdominal discomfort or cramps
• Small amounts of mucus in the stool

Do these side effects require immediate medical attention? In most cases, these side effects are mild and transient. However, if they persist or worsen, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider promptly.

When to Seek Medical Help

Parents should contact a doctor immediately if they observe any of the following symptoms after using a glycerin suppository:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Bloody stools
• Rectal bleeding
• Signs of dehydration (unusual decreased urination, dry mouth, fast heartbeat, dizziness)
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction (rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)

Alternatives to Glycerin Suppositories for Infant Constipation

While glycerin suppositories can be effective for occasional constipation, they should not be the first line of treatment or used regularly. What are some alternative approaches to managing infant constipation?

• Dietary changes: For breastfed infants, changes in the mother’s diet may help. For formula-fed babies, switching formulas under medical supervision might be beneficial.
• Increased fluid intake: Ensuring adequate hydration can help prevent and alleviate constipation.
• Gentle tummy massage: This can help stimulate bowel movements.
• Leg bicycling: Moving your baby’s legs in a bicycling motion can help stimulate the bowels.
• Warm bath: This can help relax the abdominal muscles and promote a bowel movement.

Understanding Normal Bowel Patterns in Infants

Before resorting to glycerin suppositories, it’s crucial to understand what constitutes normal bowel patterns in infants. Bowel habits can vary significantly among babies, and what’s normal for one may not be for another.

Frequency of Bowel Movements

How often should a healthy infant have a bowel movement? For breastfed infants, it’s common to have frequent, soft stools, sometimes after every feeding in the first few weeks. As they grow, this may decrease to once daily or even once every few days. Formula-fed babies typically have one to four bowel movements per day in the first few weeks, which may decrease to one to two daily as they get older.

It’s important to note that infrequent bowel movements alone don’t necessarily indicate constipation if the stools are soft and pass easily. Constipation is more about the consistency of the stool and the difficulty in passing it rather than the frequency.

When to Consider Using Glycerin Suppositories

Given the potential for side effects and the risk of dependence, when should parents consider using glycerin suppositories for their infants? Here are some situations where their use might be appropriate:

• When other non-invasive methods have failed to provide relief
• If the infant appears to be in discomfort due to constipation
• When there has been no bowel movement for several days (the exact number can vary depending on the infant’s age and usual patterns)
• If recommended by a pediatrician or healthcare provider

It’s crucial to remember that glycerin suppositories should not be used as a regular solution for constipation. If an infant frequently experiences constipation, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to address any underlying issues and develop a long-term management plan.

The Role of Diet in Preventing Infant Constipation

While glycerin suppositories can provide short-term relief, preventing constipation through dietary measures is often a more sustainable approach. How can parents adjust their infant’s diet to promote regular bowel movements?

For Breastfed Infants

Breastfed babies generally have fewer issues with constipation, but if it does occur, mothers can try the following:

• Increase their own intake of fiber-rich foods
• Ensure adequate hydration for themselves
• Consider eliminating dairy from their diet if the baby shows signs of milk protein intolerance

For Formula-Fed Infants

Formula-fed babies may be more prone to constipation. Parents can try these strategies:

• Ensure the formula is prepared correctly, not too concentrated
• Consider switching to a different formula under medical supervision
• Once the baby starts solid foods, introduce high-fiber options like pureed prunes or pears

It’s important to note that any significant changes to an infant’s diet should be discussed with a pediatrician first.

Monitoring and Documenting Your Infant’s Bowel Habits

Keeping track of your infant’s bowel movements can provide valuable information for both parents and healthcare providers. What should parents record when monitoring their baby’s bowel habits?

• Frequency of bowel movements
• Consistency of stools (hard, soft, watery)
• Color of stools
• Any signs of discomfort during bowel movements
• Dietary changes or new foods introduced

This information can help identify patterns, potential triggers for constipation, and the effectiveness of any interventions, including the use of glycerin suppositories.

Digital Tracking Tools

In today’s digital age, numerous apps are available to help parents track their baby’s health, including bowel movements. These tools can make it easier to spot trends over time and share information with healthcare providers.

The Importance of Consulting Healthcare Providers

While glycerin suppositories are available over the counter, it’s crucial to involve healthcare providers in your infant’s digestive health management. When should parents seek professional medical advice regarding their baby’s constipation?

• If constipation persists despite home remedies and dietary changes
• If there’s blood in the stool
• If the baby seems to be in significant pain or discomfort
• If there are signs of dehydration
• If you’re considering using glycerin suppositories regularly
• If there are any sudden changes in bowel habits

Healthcare providers can offer personalized advice, rule out any underlying conditions, and provide guidance on the appropriate use of treatments like glycerin suppositories.

The Role of Well-Baby Visits

Regular well-baby visits provide an excellent opportunity to discuss your infant’s digestive health with a pediatrician. These check-ups allow for ongoing monitoring of growth and development, including bowel habits, and can help catch any issues early.

Long-Term Considerations and Bowel Health Education

As infants grow and develop, their digestive systems mature, often resolving early issues with constipation. However, establishing good bowel health habits early can set the stage for lifelong digestive wellness. What long-term strategies can parents implement to promote healthy bowel function in their children?

• Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as the child starts solid foods
• Promote regular physical activity appropriate for the child’s age
• Ensure adequate fluid intake
• Teach good toilet habits as the child grows, including not holding bowel movements
• Model healthy eating and lifestyle habits for children to emulate

The Transition to Toddlerhood

As infants transition to toddlerhood, new challenges in bowel health may arise. Toilet training, changes in diet, and increased autonomy can all impact bowel habits. Parents should be prepared to adapt their approach to digestive health management during this time, always keeping open communication with healthcare providers.

Understanding the proper use of glycerin suppositories, along with implementing preventive measures and maintaining open dialogue with healthcare providers, can help parents navigate the sometimes challenging terrain of infant digestive health. While these suppositories can provide relief when used correctly, they should be part of a broader approach to maintaining healthy bowel function in infants and young children.

Glycerin (Infant) Rectal: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

This product is used to relieve occasional constipation. Glycerin belongs to a class of drugs known as hyperosmotic laxatives. It works by drawing water into the intestines. This effect usually results in a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes.For adults, the normal frequency of bowel movements varies from once daily to 1 to 2 times weekly. For preschool-aged children, the normal frequency of bowel movements varies from once daily to once every other day. Constipation is best treated by drinking plenty of fluids, eating foods high in fiber, and exercising regularly.

How to use Glycerin (Infant) Suppository

This product is for rectal use only. Read and follow all directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If the suppository is too soft to insert, chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or run cold water over it before removing the foil wrapper.

Wash your hands before and after using this product. If the medication is wrapped in foil, remove the foil wrapper. If desired, the suppository may be moistened with lukewarm water. Do not use petroleum jelly or mineral oil. Doing so may cause the product to be less effective.

Lie on your left side with the right knee slightly bent. Using your finger, gently insert the suppository well up into the rectum, pointed end first. After insertion, stay in position for 15 to 20 minutes if possible until you feel a strong urge to have a bowel movement. This product does not need to melt completely to produce an effect. If you are helping a child use this product, have the child lie on their side with the lower leg straightened out and the upper leg bent toward the stomach. Using your finger, gently insert the suppository into the rectum, pointed end first. Hold the buttocks together for a few seconds. Then, have your child stay lying down for 15 to 20 minutes if possible to keep the suppository from coming out.

Do not use this product more than once daily unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

If this product is used too frequently, it may cause loss of normal bowel function and an inability to have a bowel movement without using the product (laxative dependence). If you notice symptoms of overuse, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased weight, or weakness, contact your doctor promptly.

Consult your doctor promptly if you do not have a bowel movement after using this product or if you think you may have a serious medical problem.

Side Effects

Rectal irritation/burning, abdominal discomfort/cramps, or small amounts of mucus in the stool may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this product, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this product do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: abdominal pain that is severe or doesn’t go away, bloody stools, rectal bleeding.

Diarrhea that doesn’t stop may result in dehydration. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using glycerin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: rectal bleeding, intestinal blockage (obstruction), other bowel problems (such as ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids), current stomach/abdominal symptoms (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn’t stop, pain, cramping).

Consult your doctor before using this product if you have had a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks or if you need to use a laxative for more than 1 week. These could be symptoms of a serious medical problem.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Does Glycerin (Infant) Suppository interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Not applicable.

Refer to storage information on the package label. Protect from high heat. Do not store in the bathroom. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all drug products away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Constipation in Infants

Illnesses > Illnesses in Infants > Constipation in Infants

Click HERE to download this handout as a .PDF file.

Small infants can become constipated.   If your baby’s stools are dry hard pellets, or if they’re large, firm and painful, then he might be constipated.

Surprisingly, the frequency of the infant’s bowel movements are not very important, as long as they are soft.  Some infants make a bowel movement only once every few days; if the baby is otherwise healthy, then this is probably normal.

A baby’s stomach muscles are not very strong, so the baby may have to push in order to produce a stool. Often, parents will worry when the baby cries or seems to strain with a bowel movement; they may notice that the belly seems “hard.” Again, if the stool is soft, then this is normal, and needs no treatment.

Constipation does not cause any symptoms other than the hard stools, some fussiness, and occasionally a mild increase in spitting up.  Persistent vomiting, fever, or congestion are not caused by constipation; if a fussy baby has these or other symptoms, an exam is needed; do not assume that the baby is simply constipated.

(Occasionally, a small amount of bright red blood can be seen on the outside of the stool.  This is common with constipation; usually, close inspection of the anus under a bright light will reveal a small fissure or abrasion.  This is not dangerous by itself, but it’s a sign that the constipation needs treatment.)

On the other hand, true constipation in infants certainly needs to be treated.  Babies can (and do) learn that having a hard stool causes pain, and sometimes they try to avoid it, resulting in stool withholding behavior.  This behavior is difficult to treat, so it’s best to treat the constipation as soon as it’s noticed.

What causes constipation in an infant?  Usually, we never find out.  Occasionally a milk protein intolerance is the cause, and the problem might resolve by changing to soy or a different formula.  More commonly, especially with infants less than 2 months old, the baby needs to be fed more frequently, even as often as every 1½ to 2 hours or more.   But most of the time, the constipation appears to be a random occurrence.

Many folk remedies for constipation might be recommended to parents.  Unfortunately, most of them don’t work.  For example, increasing the water intake does not help constipated infants; dehydration is rarely the cause of constipation, because breast milk and formula are about 85% water anyway.  Apple juice generally does not help.  Herbal remedies are generally of no value.  Massaging the abdomen might soothe the baby, but it does not help pass stool.

But in the short term, there are several treatments that do help constipated infants.  Rectal stimulation with the tip of a thermometer can stimulate a reflex that causes the baby to stool.  Prune juice or pear juice can help; they contain non-absorbable sugars that draw more water into the colon, which softens the stool.

An “infant size” glycerin suppository (from the drug store) can be helpful.  The waxy kind can be pushed into the rectum, up to your first knuckle; the body’s heat will melt the suppository, which lubricates the stool and stimulates the colon reflex.   Or, you can obtain liquid “glycerin suppositories” in a small plastic tube; the tip is inserted in the rectum, and the bulb is squeezed to release the glycerin into the colon.  Either of these may be used, as often as every 20 minutes until the infant stools.  But if you get no result after the 3rd application, further suppositories probably won’t help.  In unusual circumstances, an infant Fleets enema is can be used, but young infants rarely need an enema.

If the baby’s constipation is persistent, it is easily treated.  I recommend Miralax® or a generic version, the same medication that an adult would use.  Once or twice a day, you can dissolve a teaspoon or two in an ounce or so of water or the baby’s milk, and give it to the baby in a bottle, syringe or spoon.  Once you start the Miralax, it’s best to continue it every day until the baby has gone 2-3 weeks without having any hard stools at all.  Stool softeners like Miralax are absolutely not habit-forming.  Some infants and children need daily Miralax for many months in order to prevent constipation; the Miralax has no side effects, and there is no reason to withhold or reduce it until the child can form soft, easily passed stools on his own.

Copyright © David M. Epstein MD, April 2010
 

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Glycerine suppositories for newborns

Often young mothers face such a problem as constipation in newborns and infants. Especially often babies who are bottle-fed suffer from constipation. But such problems also occur in children who are breastfed due to changes in the mother’s diet.

A very popular remedy for constipation in infants and newborns is glycerin suppositories. In case of constipation in a child, mothers with experience, and many pediatricians, will advise you. But, if you are going to use glycerin suppositories to eliminate stool problems in your newborn baby, you must first learn all about this remedy.

Can glycerine suppositories be given to newborns?

There are no special glycerin suppositories for newborns. Most likely, you will buy ordinary candles with glycerin or candles for children (for example, glycelax) in a pharmacy. In the annotation to both, you can read that they are used in children starting from 3 months of age (and a child under 1 month old is considered a newborn).

But in some cases, if it is really necessary, pediatricians still prescribe glycerin suppositories not only for infants, but also for newborns. It is believed that this is not dangerous, since the active substance contained in them – glycerol – is not absorbed by the intestines, but only has an irritating effect on the rectum. Therefore, glycerin suppositories are not addictive and do not have any negative impact on the children’s body as a whole.

However, glycerin suppositories can still harm a growing body: if you randomly and in unlimited quantities put glycerin suppositories on a child, you can permanently disrupt natural peristalsis and defecation. In extreme cases, much more serious problems are possible, such as enterocolitis, drug-induced diarrhea, intestinal obstruction.

Glycerin suppositories for newborns – dosage .e. one children’s candle or half an adult) per day for no more than 7 days. In neonates, this dose should be spread over at least 3 days. It is not recommended to put glycerin suppositories more than once a day.

How to administer glycerine suppositories to newborns?

First of all, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. With a clean, sharp knife, cut the suppository (candle) lengthwise into 2-4 parts. Lubricate the baby’s bottom with baby cream or oil. Lay the baby on the back, lift his legs with one hand, bend and press them to the tummy. Insert the cut piece of the suppository into the child’s anus slowly and carefully. Then hold the child’s buttocks closed with the palm of your hand for 2-3 minutes (you can take the baby in your arms – this will make you feel more comfortable and calmer). After this time, or a little later, the baby will be able to “do his business.” As a rule, you have to wait no more than half an hour. Some babies manage to do this in the first seconds after the introduction of the candle.

The main thing to remember when using glycerin suppositories to combat constipation in newborns

Glycerin suppositories are not a remedy for constipation, but only to eliminate its symptoms. It is worth using them only until the main cause of problems with the child’s stool is clarified and eliminated. This is where a pediatrician should help parents first of all. Often, to normalize the baby’s digestion and stool, it is enough just to adjust the nutrition of a nursing mother or change the milk formula. Dysbacteriosis can also be the cause of constipation – then a thorough examination and treatment is necessary. So, parents, be extremely attentive to the health of your baby and do not get carried away with symptomatic treatment.

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Glycerin suppositories | Microlax

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Glycerin suppositories

Contents

• Composition
• What causes the laxative effect of glycerin suppositories?
• Is it worth using glycerin suppositories for children and newborns
• Use of glycerin suppositories during pregnancy
• Candle or microclyster? Format difference

There is an opinion that glycerin provides lubrication of the inner lining of the rectum, contributing to the easy and painless elimination of feces. Let’s take a look at how glycerin suppositories actually work.

Ingredients

Glycerin suppositories is a combined product that is produced in the form of suppositories containing glycerin, sodium bicarbonate, stearic acid as excipients.

Glycerin is the simplest trihydric alcohol. In normal cases, it is obtained as a by-product in the manufacture of soap by the hydrolysis of fats. Currently, glycerin is obtained from propylene released during the cracking of oil ¹ .

What causes the laxative effect of glycerin suppositories?

Glycerin has the ability to irritate the mucous membrane in the rectum and thereby reflexively stimulate peristalsis and trigger defecation ² . Thus, glycerin suppositories are irritating laxatives. But with constipation, with the help of reflex stimulation, it is not always possible to achieve bowel movement due to hardening of the feces. It is worth noting that in this situation they not only turn out to be powerless, but can also do harm. outgoing dense feces can injure the anus. Because of this, petroleum jelly is added to some suppositories, but it cannot fully soften dense fecal masses.

Microclysters Microlax ^® have a completely different mechanism of action: the components included in their composition do not irritate the rectum, but soften the dense fecal masses , facilitating their excretion. The action of microclysters usually occurs in 5-15 minutes ³ .

Is it worth using glycerin suppositories for children and newborns

When using glycerin suppositories in children, it is necessary to remember the following: due to the irritating effect of glycerin on the rectal mucosa with frequent use of glycerin suppositories in a child irritation of the rectum may occur, and in some cases catarrhal proctitis develops (that is, its inflammation). ² Also, the frequent use of irritating laxatives in children leads to such a formidable complication as the development of addiction: the child can no longer empty his intestines on his own. ² Restoring the lost skill of independent defecation is then very difficult and should be done by a qualified specialist. Non-irritant microclysters Microlax® are not addictive and can be used by children from birth. ³

Given the mechanism of action of glycerin suppositories and according to the instructions, before using them, you need to make sure that the patient does not have contraindications: hemorrhoids in the acute phase, anal fissures, inflammatory diseases and tumors of the rectum; hypersensitivity to glycerin. ² Contraindication to the use of microclysters Microlax ^® is only an increased individual sensitivity to the components of the drug. ³

The use of glycerin suppositories during pregnancy.

The instructions for glycerin suppositories indicate that they can be used during pregnancy if indicated. However, caution should be exercised: active stimulation of intestinal contractions during pregnancy is unsafe because the colon and uterus have a common innervation and irritation of the rectal mucosa can lead to premature birth ² . Microclysters Microlax ^® do not have the irritating effect of , but only soften dense fecal masses, facilitating their excretion. Due to this, Microlax ^® is suitable for pregnant women, as well as lactating women.

Candle or microclyster? Format difference.

Many people who have used glycerin suppositories know how uncomfortable it is, especially in children, because the suppository is often too large for the child’s anus, and insertion can be painful. Predicting exactly when a bowel movement will occur after using a glycerin suppository is problematic. Moreover, after their application, stubborn greasy stains often remain on clothes and furniture.

Microlax ^® is available as a hygienic disposable microclyster. It is convenient to use a microclyster. A small semi-flexible tip is not traumatic, for adults it is inserted for the entire length, for children under 3 years old – for half the length (there is a special notch on the tip or you can use Microlax ^® for children).