No one is immune from problems with the digestive system. People of all ages can suffer from constipation under the influence of negative factors. During pregnancy, the body undergoes major hormonal changes that can negatively affect the digestive process. In addition, every day the size of the uterus increases and gradually begins to put pressure on the intestinal muscles. Ultimately, congestion in the rectum is observed. In this case, you need to be especially careful when choosing laxatives with a minimum number of contraindications and side effects. Next, we will consider in more detail how to choose and take suppositories for constipation during pregnancy.
What are glycerin suppositories
Glycerin suppositories are a laxative intended for topical use. It has a slight irritant effect on the rectal mucosa and reflexively activates peristalsis. Helps soften stool.
Appearance (photo) of glycerin suppositories
When used externally, it has a skin-protecting effect, softens the skin and mucous membranes.
Compound
The active substance is glycerol; 1 suppository contains 2100 mg of this component. Additional substances are sodium stearate 140 mg and purified water 120 mg.
Release form
rectal suppositories, made in the shape of a torpedo, are translucent, almost colorless, with a barely noticeable yellowish tint. They have a smooth oily surface and a weak characteristic odor.
The drug is available in cardboard packs that contain 6, 10 or 12 suppositories.
Where to buy and price
The drug is sold in pharmacies and is available without a prescription. Average prices are presented below:
- suppositories with glycerin from Nizhpharm, 10 pieces - 145 rubles;
- suppositories with glycerin from Antibiotic S.A., 12 pieces - 175 rubles;
- glycerin suppositories from YuzhPharm, 10 pieces - 159 rub.
Analogs
The list of drugs similar in action to Glycelax includes:
- “Suppositories with glycerin”;
- "Glycerin - suppositories";
- "Norgalax";
- "Vaseline oil."
Let us note important points about Glycelax:
- It is a laxative drug that is available in the form of suppositories;
- Used both in adult patients and in pediatric practice in case of constipation;
- Not used for inflammatory processes in the rectal area, oncological pathologies;
- Not recommended for use in pregnant women;
- Side effects are possible only with long-term use.
Is it possible to use glycerin suppositories during pregnancy?
Since the active substance of the drug has only a local effect and does not penetrate the bloodstream, it can be used without fear during pregnancy. In early and late stages, the drug is prescribed to eliminate such a delicate problem as constipation, which occurs due to changes in a woman’s body (increased progesterone levels, compression of nearby organs by the uterus). Glycerin suppositories help soften stool and increase intestinal motility.
The drug can be used to treat hemorrhoids in pregnant women, which occurs and worsens due to impaired blood circulation caused by the growing fetus. In such a situation, suppositories with glycerin stabilize stools and relieve pain and irritation. But in the case of acute hemorrhoids, with inflammation of the venous node and the presence of cracks in the mucous membrane, the use of the drug is prohibited.
Constipation in pregnancy
For pregnant women, the drug is prescribed only after gentler methods such as diet correction, exercise, and increasing the volume of fluid consumed have not brought any results. The effectiveness of the suppository will be shown only when constipation lasts 2-3 days; if the problem lasts longer, then the drug may not have any effect, and the specialist will prescribe a more potent laxative.
In the 1st trimester, it is recommended to refrain from using glycerin suppositories, since the uterus is located next to the rectum and the laxative effect of the drug can spread to it, which is especially dangerous if there is a threat of miscarriage. Frequent use of suppositories in the 3rd trimester can lead to premature birth.
Structural and functional analogs of Glycerol
The modern pharmaceutical market offers a fairly wide selection of analogue medications, which, by the nature of their effect on the body of a pregnant woman, are similar to Glycerin. The following types of analogues of this drug are distinguished:
- functional, which differ in the active substance, but perform the same functions. These include: Microlax, Duphalac, Norgalax;
- structural, which have the same active component and perform the same functions in the body of a pregnant woman. These include: Glycelax, Glycerol.
Table: structural and functional analogues of Glycerol
| Drug name | Release form | Active substance | Indications for use | Contraindications | Side effects | Features of use during pregnancy |
| Structural analogues | ||||||
| Glycelax | Suppositories for rectal use. | Glycerol | Constipation of various types. |
|
| The use of the drug during pregnancy is not recommended, as it may cause increased uterine tone. |
| Glycerol |
| Glycerol |
|
|
| The use of Glycerol is possible only as prescribed by a doctor. |
| Functional analogues | ||||||
| Microlax | Solution for rectal use |
|
| Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. |
| It is believed that the drug can be partially absorbed into the bloodstream, so its use should be under the strict supervision of a physician. |
| Duphalac |
| Lactulose |
|
|
| The use of the drug is not contraindicated during pregnancy. |
| Norgalax | Gel for rectal use | Docusate sodium |
|
|
| The use of the drug by pregnant women is possible only after consultation with a doctor. |
Photo gallery: structural and functional analogues of Glycerol
Instructions for use and dosage
According to the instructions for the drug, glycerin suppositories can be used for their intended purpose during pregnancy, but nothing is indicated about their negative effects on the fetus. Suppositories are administered rectally into the rectum, which allows the active substance to penetrate the mucous membrane and is almost not absorbed into the blood.
How long does it take for glycerin suppositories to work? Usually the effect occurs 3-5 minutes after administration of the suppository, but in some cases it may appear only after 1-1.5 hours.
The dosage depends on the severity of the disorder; a specialist may prescribe 1 or 2 suppositories per day. It is advisable to use the drug in the morning, 2-5 minutes after eating.
How to use glycerin suppositories:
- Wash your hands with soap.
- Remove one candle from the package.
- Lie on your side, bend your legs, insert the suppository into the rectum to a depth of 5 cm.
- Stay in this position for a few minutes until you feel the urge to have a bowel movement.
Release form and composition
Glycerin suppositories are torpedo-shaped, have a pointed shape and absorb moisture from the environment.
Suppositories have a very convenient shape. The size is small and very easy to insert. They come in white and light yellow colors and have a neutral odor. The box contains 2 blisters, each containing 5 suppositories.
Candles are sold in regular cardboard packaging, hermetically sealed. On the back of the box there is information about the indication for use, dosage and storage conditions.
One Glycelax suppository (for children) contains 0.75 grams of glycerin. In the adult dosage, glycerin is 1.5 grams.
What is better - glycerin suppositories or Microlax?
Many expectant mothers wonder how effective glycerin suppositories are; maybe it’s better to use Microlax microenemas instead. Both of these drugs can be used during pregnancy. The active ingredient of glycerin suppositories is glycerol, while Microlax has a more complex chemical composition.
The average cost of glycerin suppositories is 150-170 rubles, and Microlax - from 340 rubles. But Microlax begins to act 5-15 minutes after use, while the effect of glycerin suppositories can occur only after an hour.
Before using any of these drugs, a preliminary consultation with a gynecologist is required.
How to replace glycerin suppositories
If possible, it is advisable to avoid using suppositories with glycerin during pregnancy. And to avoid constipation and hemorrhoids, it is enough to follow these rules:
- eat small meals;
- include in your diet foods that contain coarse fiber (vegetables, bran, etc.);
- drink up to 2.5 liters of clean water without gases per day;
- If there are no contraindications, try to move more, do yoga for pregnant women, go to the pool and do light housework.
If these measures are not enough, you should consult your doctor. In some cases, instead of glycerin suppositories, sea buckthorn suppositories, petroleum jelly, Duphalac, Lactulose, etc. may be prescribed.
Important: any laxative drugs increase the tone of the smooth muscles of the internal organs and uterus. Self-treatment with such medications can lead to spontaneous miscarriage.
Pregnant woman at doctor's appointment
Contraindications and side effects
It is necessary to refrain from using glycerin suppositories in the following cases:
- anal fissures;
- exacerbation of hemorrhoids;
- inflammatory diseases and tumors of the rectum;
- individual intolerance.
Side effects appear as follows:
- with prolonged external use - allergic reactions and irritation;
- with prolonged rectal use - deterioration of the physiological process of defecation, signs of irritation of the rectum.
Reviews
Angelina, 21 years old
In the 1st trimester I used glycerin suppositories several times for constipation, despite the fact that it is undesirable to do this. Fortunately, everything worked out, the stool improved and there were no problems with the pregnancy.
Serafima, 36 years old
In the 2nd trimester of pregnancy I used suppositories with glycerin for hemorrhoids. I spent about 10 days on treatment, and I was pleased with the result.
Irina, 25 years old
Glycerin suppositories do not help me with constipation during pregnancy. I used them several times in the 2nd trimester, then in the 3rd trimester, there was no effect. To normalize stool, I include a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits in my diet, drink a lot of kefir and milk.
Glycerin suppositories for constipation and hemorrhoids can be considered the safest remedies for pregnant women. When rectal suppositories are used correctly, there is no threat to the fetus or woman.
At the same time, suppositories with glycerin increase the tone in the intestines, which is undesirable during the period of bearing a child. For this reason, if expectant mothers are prone to constipation, they need to reconsider their diet by including more fresh fruits and vegetables, start eating smaller meals, drink at least 1.5 liters of clean water per day and move as much as possible.
Side effects
Negative effects occur when taking the drug for an unreasonably long time. In most cases, they affect the digestive system .
This causes discomfort and irritation in the rectal area. There are also difficulties when trying to empty the intestines of contents naturally.
Other side effects relate to immune manifestations in the form of allergic reactions. The patient may experience skin itching or burning.
Contraindications
Doctors do not recommend Glycelax therapy for persons with the following pathologies:
- With hemorrhoids in the acute phase;
- If there are cracks in the rectal area;
- With inflammatory processes in the rectal area;
- For tumor formations in the rectum;
- In case of individual intolerance on the part of the body to one or another component of the drug.
Due to the fact that the drug is excreted with the assistance of the renal apparatus, experts advise patients suffering from renal failure to take this laxative with special care.
During pregnancy
Gynecologists do not advise using the medicine in women during pregnancy, as it can increase the contractile activity of the uterus.
In case of therapeutic necessity, the drug can still be used in this category of women , but only according to individual indications for this and under the supervision of the attending physician.
For women who are breastfeeding their baby, the medication can be prescribed as prescribed by a specialist.
Storage conditions and periods
Candles are kept away from children. The temperature of the storage location should be no higher than 15 degrees.
2 years - this period can be used and stored for the medicine.
