Supositorios de glicerol para el estreñimiento

About glycerol suppositories

Constipation can be caused by a poor diet, not drinking enough water and not going to the toilet as soon as you feel you need to. Pregnancy, a lack of exercise or movement (such as being ill in bed) and some medicines, including some painkillers, can also cause constipation. However, many people take laxatives when they do not need to because they believe that they are constipated unless they go to the toilet every day. This is not the case. A useful definition of constipation is going to the toilet less frequently than is normal for you, and passing hard stools when you do go.

Glycerol suppositories are used to treat constipation. They can be bought without a prescription at pharmacies and other retail outlets. Glycerol is a mild irritant. It works by encouraging muscles around your back passage to contract. This helps you to go to the toilet.

Before using glycerol suppositories

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, ask for advice from a doctor or pharmacist before you start using glycerol suppositories if any of the following apply to you:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only use medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.

• If they are for a child. This is because laxatives should only be given to children on the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional.

• If you have severe pain in your tummy (abdomen) or feel sick.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

How to use glycerol suppositories

• Before you start using the suppositories, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack.

• Use one suppository when needed. It will take about 20 minutes to work.

Cómo utilizar un supositorio

1. Retire el supositorio del envoltorio.

2. Most people find it helps to insert the suppository if it is moistened with a little tap water first.

3. Using a finger, gently push the suppository into your back passage (rectum) as far as is comfortable.

4. Quédese quieta un rato para ayudar a mantener el supositorio en su sitio. Empezará a hacer efecto en unos 20 minutos aproximadamente.

5. Wash your hands afterwards.
   

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Unless you have been told otherwise by your doctor, laxatives like glycerol suppositories should only be used to provide short-term relief from constipation. If you are still constipated after using these suppositories for three days, you should see your doctor.

• Una dieta sana que contenga fibra (panes y cereales integrales, salvado, fruta y verduras de hoja verde) con varios vasos de agua al día y ejercicio diario son importantes para mantener una función intestinal saludable.

• You can read more about how to prevent or treat constipation in the separate condition leaflets called Constipation (for adults) and Constipation in Children.

Can glycerol suppositories cause problems?

Glycerol suppositories do not usually lead to side-effects, but on occasions they may irritate or cause stomach cramp. If you experience any other symptoms, speak with a doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store glycerol suppositories

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos