Glycerin (Glycerol)

A to Z Drug Facts

Glycerin (Glycerol)

	Action
	Indications
	Contraindications
	Route/Dosage
	Interactions
	Lab Test Interferences
	Adverse Reactions
	Precautions
Patient Care Considerations
	Administration/Storage
	Assessment/Interventions
	Patient/Family Education

(GLIH-suh-rin)

Colace, Fleet Babylax, Ophthalgan, Osmoglyn, Sani-Supp

Class: Osmotic diuretic Laxative Ophthalmic

Action Reduces intraocular pressure by creating osmotic gradient between plasma and ocular fluids (oral form). Promotes bowel evacuation by local irritation and hyperosmotic actions (rectal form). Reduces edema and clears corneal haze by attracting water through semipermeable corneal epithelium (ophthalmic form).

Indications

Oral: Control of acute attack of glaucoma; reduction of intraocular pressure prior to and after ocular surgery. Rectal: Short-term treatment of constipation; to evacuate the colon for rectal and bowel examinations. Ophthalmic: Clearance of edematous corneas to facilitate ophthalmoscopic and gonioscopic examination in acute glaucoma, bullous keratitis, and Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy. unlabeled use(s): Reduction of intraocular and intracranial pressure via special IV preparations.

Contraindications

Oral form: Anuria, severe dehydration, frank or impending acute pulmonary edema, severe cardiac decompensation. Rectal forms: Nausea, vomiting, acute surgical abdomen, fecal impaction, intestinal obstruction, undiagnosed abdominal pain.

Route/Dosage

ADULTS: PO 1 to 2 g/kg 1 to 1½ hr prior to surgery. PR Insert 1 suppository (3 g) or 5 to 15 mL as rectal enema and retain 15 min. Topical 1 to 2 gtt instilled in eye(s) prior to examination. CHILDREN > 6 yr: PR Same as adults. CHILDREN 2 to 6 yr: PR 1 to 1.5 g suppository or 2 to 5 mL as rectal enema. CHILDREN < 2 yr: Use only on advice of health care provider.

Interactions None well documented.

Lab Test Interferences None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

CV: Arrhythmias. CNS: Headache; confusion; disorientation; weakness; dizziness; fainting. DERM: Rectal form: Perianal irritation; sweating. EENT: Ophthalmic solution: Ocular pain and irritation. GI: Nausea; vomiting. Rectal form: Excessive bowel activity; abdominal cramps; bloating; flatulence. META: Dehydration; hyperosmolar nonketotic coma.

Precautions

Pregnancy: Category C. Lactation: Undetermined. Children: Do not administer enemas or suppositories to children < 2 yr. Safety and efficacy of other forms undetermined. Elderly and debilitated patients: Use with caution. Special risk patients: Use oral form with caution in patients with hypovolemia, confused mental states, CHF, diabetes mellitus, and severe dehydration.

PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS

Administration/Storage

Administer 50% oral solution with 0.9% Sodium Chloride flavored with orange, lemon, or lime juice or administer commercially prepared 50% or 75% flavored solution.
Administer suppository high in rectum with patient lying down on side; encourage patient to retain suppository in rectum for at least 15 min.
To administer rectal liquid, have patient lie on left side, insert stem of applicator into rectum with tip pointing toward navel, squeeze unit until nearly all liquid has been dispensed, and remove applicator. Small amount of liquid may remain in unit.
Ophthalmic solution may cause burning sensation in eye. Local anesthetic should be administered before instillation of drug.
Store suppositories in cool location, but do not freeze. Other formulations may be stored at room temperature.

Assessment/Interventions

Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies.
Assess for nausea, vomiting, headache, altered neurologic status, and dehydration.
With ophthalmic form, assess for eye pain or discomfort.
With rectal form, assess last bowel movement, use of laxatives, ability to retain suppository, and effectiveness of drug regimen.
Monitor I&O.
Systemic administration will cause diuresis and possibly hypotension with dizziness. Institute safety precautions in presence of neurologic manifestations. Have patient maintain supine position after administration.
With oral or ophthalmic forms, do not give hypotonic solutions after drug is administered.
With rectal form, encourage fluid intake, fiber in diet, and activity.

Patient/Family Education

Inform patient of need to maintain supine position after administration of oral form of drug.
With rectal form, advise patient about dangers associated with long-term laxative use. Instruct patient in alternative measures to encourage bowel movements (increase fluid intake, increase intake of dietary fiber, increase activity). Instruct patient to avoid laxative use in presence of abdominal pain, vomiting, or nausea.