ACTION AND MECHANISM - [LAXATIVE]. Glycerol is a polyol derivative that acts as a laxative when administered rectally. Its effects are due to a dual mechanism of action:* Irritating effect on the rectal mucosa, without affecting the distal walls of the intestine. Local contraction of the rectal muscles quickly causes the expulsion of feces.* Osmotic effect. Glycerol has a high hygroscopic capacity, allowing water to pass into the intestinal lumen. The increase in water, together with the lubricating properties of sorbitol, softens the stool and facilitates its elimination. The effects take between 15-30 minutes and one hour to appear. SPECIAL WARNINGS- The cause of the constipation should be diagnosed before treatment, ruling out the possibility of obstructions of the gastrointestinal tract or appendicitis ELDERLY No specific problems have been described in this age group, although the chronic use of laxatives in elderly patients can trigger orthostatic hypotension, weakness and motor incoordination due to the loss of fluid and electrolytes. PATIENT ADVICE- This medicine should not be used by patients with intestinal obstructions.- If after 1 week of use, constipation does not improve, persists or worsens, consult your doctor or pharmacist.- Before starting treatment for constipation, lifestyle habits should be modified. It is recommended to drink plenty of water daily (more than two liters), an adequate intake of fiber, respond to the stimulus of defecation and exercise.CONTRAINDICATIONS- Hypersensitivity to any component of the medication.- Situations in which gastrointestinal transit is difficult or prevented, such as [INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION], [ILEUS] or [FECAL IMPACTION]. Due to the laxative effects of glycerol, the obstruction could be aggravated.- [ABDOMINAL PAIN] of unknown origin. Treatment with a laxative should not be started in patients suffering from abdominal pain until the cause has been identified, since the laxative could mask the symptoms of a more serious condition.- Pathologies in which it is dangerous to increase intestinal peristalsis, such as [APPENDICITIS] or [INTESTINAL PERFORATION]. The use of laxatives in these patients could aggravate the condition.PREGNANCYFDA Category C. Although rectally administered glycerol is poorly absorbed, there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. The use of this medication is only accepted in the absence of safer therapeutic alternatives. PHARMACOKINETICS - Absorption: Glycerol is poorly absorbed when administered rectally, being almost completely eliminated during defecation. However, oral absorption is high. Peak plasma concentrations after oral administration are reached in 60-90 minutes. - Distribution: Absorbed glycerol is widely distributed throughout the body, accumulating in muscle fat. - Metabolism: It is extensively metabolized in the liver (around 80% of the absorbed amount). - Elimination: Glycerol is primarily eliminated by hepatic metabolism. 20% of the absorbed content appears unchanged in urine. The elimination half-life is 30-45 minutes. INDICATIONS - [CONSTIPATION]. Symptomatic local treatment of transient and occasional constipation. INTERACTIONS No drug interactions have been described. BREASTFEEDING Glycerol administered rectally is barely absorbed, and it is unknown whether it is excreted in milk. There are no studies that determine the possible consequences in infants, so although its use is accepted, precautions should be taken. CHILDREN Its use is not recommended in children under 12 years of age. RULES FOR CORRECT ADMINISTRATION The adult presentations are indicated for patients over 12 years of age, the children's presentations for children 2-12 years of age, and the infant presentations for children under 2 years of age. After administration, bowel movements should be suppressed for as long as possible so that the glycerol can exert its action. Likewise, it is recommended to keep the buttocks together for a while to avoid loss of product. DOSAGE - Adults, rectal: 1 suppository/24 h or 1 application (adult rectal solution)/24 h. PRECAUTIONS - Symptoms of appendicitis, such as patients suffering from [NAUSEA], [VOMITING] or [ABDOMINAL CRAMPS]. In patients suffering from these symptoms, it is recommended to rule out the presence of appendicitis, and if it is diagnosed, a laxative should not be used. ADVERSE REACTIONS The adverse reactions of glycerol are generally mild and transient, and local in nature. - Digestive. Occasionally, irritation, stinging or [ANAL ITCHING] may appear. OVERDOSE Symptoms: The use of this medicine for long periods of time and at high doses may lead to irritable bowel syndrome. Treatment: Treatment will be symptomatic. Administration of the laxative should be discontinued.COMPOSITIONGLYCEROL: 5.4 MILLILITERS