Glycerol: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Glycerol?

What is glycerol used for?

Glycerol is a type of drug that is available in various dosage forms. Starting from suppositories, which are drugs used through the anus, vagina, or urinary tract (urethra), topicals, or oral medications.

This drug belongs to the class of laxative drugs, which is a class of drugs used to treat constipation. However, this drug can also be used to help hydrate the body, improve athletes' performance, and some skin problems.

In addition, other benefits of glycerol include treating meningitis, stroke, obesity and ear infections. This drug is included in over-the-counter drugs. The sign, you can buy it at a pharmacy without a prescription from a doctor.

How is glycerol used?

The use of this drug is determined based on the preparation. The reason is, different preparations mean different uses. Procedures for using glycerol suppositories that are usually used to treat constipation are:

• Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
• This drug is used through the anus.
• If the suppository is mushy, cool it in the refrigerator or wet it with cold water to make it stiffer.
• Remove the aluminum foil wrapping it.
• Wet the suppository first before inserting it into the anus.
• Place the suppository into the anus slowly. Insert the taper first.
• Lie on one side of the body. Insert the tip of the medicine into the anus, then use your fingers to press it until it is completely inserted into the anus..

Meanwhile, the procedures for using topical preparations are as follows.

• Some products need to be shaken before use. Check the label to see if the medicine needs to be shaken or not. Use on the affected skin as needed or as directed on the label or doctor's recommendation.
• The frequency of use of the drug will depend on the medication and your skin condition.
• To treat dry hands, you may need to use this product every time you wash your hands.
• If you are using this medication to treat diaper rash, clean the diaper area before use and allow it to dry before using the medicine.
• If you are using this product to help treat radiation-induced sunburn, check with a radiation worker to see if the brand can be used prior to radiation therapy.

Then, here's how to use glycerol in oral medicinal preparations.

• Glycerol is taken according to the dosage for your health condition.
• To enhance the taste of this remedy, you can mix it with a little lemon, lime, or orange juice poured into ice water, and drink it through a straw.

How is glycerol stored?

As with other medicines, there are glycerol storage procedures that you can use are:

• You should store this drug at room temperature
• We recommend that you keep this drug out of exposure to sunlight or direct light.
• Also keep this drug away from damp places.
• Do not store this medication in the bathroom.
• Don't also store them in the freezer until they freeze.
• Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.
• Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist.
• Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

If you have stopped using this medicine, or if this medicine has expired, you can discard this medicine. However, do it with the proper disposal procedure.

Certainly, do not flush medications down drains or toilets, unless your doctor or pharmacist instructs you otherwise. In addition, you should not mix this medicinal waste with other household waste because it can pollute the environment.

If you are not sure how to store this medicine in a proper and safe way, ask your pharmacist or staff from your local waste disposal agency how to properly and safely dispose of this medicine, especially for environmental health.

Glycerol dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the glycerol dosage for adults?

Adult dosage for enhancing athlete performance

• Oral:
  • The dosage is based on body weight.
  • Typical dosage: 1-2 grams / kilogram of body weight (kgBW) taken once. Then, supplement with the 500 milligram (mg) dose per kilogram of body weight which is used every six hours if absolutely necessary.

Adult dosage for treating dandruff

• Rub:
  • Hair lotion containing 10% glycerol is applied to the scalp three times a week and is applied for eight weeks.

Adult dosage for dry skin

• Rub:
  • An emulsion containing 15% glycerol is applied to the skin 2 times a day and is applied for 1-8 weeks.

Adult dosage for constipation

• Glycerol suppositories 2-3 grams at a time

What is the dose of Glyceron for children?

Children's dosage for skin problems

• Rub:
  • Glycerol 15% applied to the skin for 4-12 weeks of use.

Children's dosage for constipation

• Suppository
  • For children aged 0-5 years: 1-1.7 grams of glycerol suppositories at a time
  • For children aged 6 years and over, the dosage is 2-3 grams of glycerol suppositories at a time

In what dosage is glycerol available?

Glycerol is available in the following dosages:

Oral, topical, and suppositories

Glycerol side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to glycerol?

The use of this one drug can also cause side effects of use. Side effects that arise can include minor health conditions or serious ones. However, you should pay attention to the following side effect symptoms.

Side effects that arise when using suppositories:

• Chest tightness
• The body shivered
• Swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips
• Skin rash
• Itchy skin
• Fever
• Fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Irritation

Side effects that may arise due to the use of glycerol in topical preparations:

• Skin infection
• Allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face, tongue and throat, dizziness, to difficulty breathing

Meanwhile, the side effects that arise due to the use of glycerol which is available in oral form are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Dizzy
• Mouth feels dry
• It's easy to feel thirsty

Not everyone experiences the side effects mentioned above. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects after using glycerol, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Glycerol Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using glycerol?

Before you decide to use glycerol, there are a number of things you should pay attention to, including:

• Do not use this medicine in children if your child has digestive problems and you still haven't seen a doctor to find solutions to their health problems.
• Do not give this medicine to a child if your child is allergic or hypersensitive to glycerol or other ingredients in this medicine. If you are not sure what ingredients are in glycerol, ask your pharmacist.
• Do not use this medication for a long period of time.
• Tell your doctor if you have allergies to other drugs, food, dyes, preservatives, to animals.
• The ingredients in this medication may make you more sensitive to sun exposure. Pay attention to the medicine packaging and carefully read the possible side effects listed on it. If this is the case, go outside using sunscreen all the time.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of illness or are experiencing other illnesses such as stomach pain, bleeding in the anus, frequent vomiting, or changes in bowel movements that last more than two weeks.
• Tell your doctor about any medications you have used or are currently using, including prescription, nonprescription, multivitamins and herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, and are breastfeeding.
• If after using this medicine your condition does not improve immediately or it gets worse, tell your doctor immediately.

Is glycerol safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

These drugs are included in pregnancy risk category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) in Indonesia. The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A: No risk,
• B: No risk in some studies,
• C: May be risky,
• D: There is positive evidence of risk,
• X: Contraindicated,
• N: Not known

There is not yet sufficient information about the safety of using this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

Even so, the use of topical drugs may be less likely to affect the condition of pregnant women, nursing mothers and their babies because these drugs are only applied topically and are not consumed into the body.

Glycerol Drug Interactions

What other medicines may interact with glycerol?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this article. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

The following are some of the drugs that can interact with glycerol, including:

• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Claritin (loratadine)
• Colace (docusate)
• CoQ10 (ubiquinone)
• Fish oil
• Ginger root (ginger)
• Glycerol (glycerin)
• Honey
• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
• Vitamin E

Even so, interactions are almost impossible if you use topical preparations because these drugs are only used as external drugs applied to the skin. So that it is not consumed into the body.

In fact, the interactions mentioned above are possible if you are taking the oral or oral preparations of this medicine.

Can food or alcohol interact with glycerol?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with glycerol?

There are several health conditions that can interact with this drug. The interactions that occur can increase the risk of side effects from using the drugs or worsen any health conditions you have. Therefore, record any health conditions you have and tell your doctor. Health conditions that can interact with glycerol are:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Use of glycerol can increase the risk of dehydration (loss of too much body fluids).
• A mental state of confusion or dementia
• Heart disease
• Kidney illness. Glycerol can make this condition worse.
• Intestinal disorders

Glycerol overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Generally, glycerol is a drug that is taken only when needed, so you will not use it every day. However, make sure to use this drug as needed and do not exceed the dosage appropriate for your condition. If you are using this medication in a suppository preparation, do not use this medication more than once in a 24 hour period.