Patient info Open main menu

Glycerol 1g Suppositories – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for healthcare professionals

Last updated: · Text from the MHRA, as of · About this document

Medicine status: General sale (GSL) Details

The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is written for healthcare professionals. Patients will find plain advice in the patient information leaflet: how to take, side effects, pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Medicine strength:
1 g
Contains active substance:
ATC code:

Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - Glycerol 1 g suppositories

1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Glycerol 1g Suppositories

2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Each suppository contains 700mg Glycerol

For full list of excipients, see 6.1.

3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Amber coloured suppository, of nominal weight 1g intended for rectal administration.

4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

For occasional use as a stimulant laxative for the treatment of constipation.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

For rectal use

Infants

One 1g suppository, to aid insertion the suppository tip should be moistened with water before use.

4.3 Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to the active substance(s) or to any of the excipients.
  • The product is contraindicated if there is intestinal obstruction or blockage.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

The product is intended for occasional use only. Prolonged or excessive use of the product is not recommended as this may cause diarrhoea. Use of this product may interfere with glucose control in diabetic patients. If symptoms persist consult a doctor.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

No interaction studies have been performed

4.6 Pregnancy and lactation

No evidence of harmful affects available. However, best avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. May be used during breast feeding.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

None stated

4.8 Undesirable effects

Use of the product may occasionally cause abdominal cramps. Glycerol can cause irritation when given rectally.

4.9 Overdose

Overdosage via rectal route is unlikely. However, if ingested treat symptomatically.

5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

ATC code A06AX01

Glycerol is commonly classified as an osmotic laxative but may act additionally or alternatively by promoting peristalsis and evacuation of the lower bowel by virtue of a mild irritant effect. Glycerol suppositories possess also lubricating and faecal softening actions.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Glycerol following rectal administration is poorly absorbed.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

There are no preclinical data of relevance to the prescriber, which are additional to those already included in other sections of the SmPC

6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Gelatin

Purified Water

6.2 Incompatibilities

Not applicable

6.3 Shelf life

3 years

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Store below 25°C in a dry place

6.5 Nature and contents of container

Heat sealed cavities composed of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) coated with Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC) and laminated with polyethylene (PE), each containing 1x 4g suppository in strips of 6. The strips and a patient leaflet are packed into cardboard cartons. Pack size available: 12 x 4g.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal

Wash hands before opening individual packaging. The suppository is shaped for rectal insertion, ensure the tip of the suppository is inserted first. The tip should be moistened with a little cold water to aid insertion.

7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Martindale Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Bampton Road,

Romford,

RM3 8UG

United Kingdom

8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PL 00156/0121

9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE

AUTHORISATION

13/07/2009

10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

02/10/2013

About this document

Source: MHRA - Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (products.mhra.gov.uk) · Marketing authorisation: PL 00156/0121

Last revision stated in the text: 2 October 2013 · MHRA data as of 13 October 2026

Found a mistake? Tell us on the contact page.

The information on this site does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

Facts about Glycerol 1 g suppositories

Prescription needed? No, general sale list medicine (GSL) – also sold outside pharmacies
Active substance Glycerol
Strength 1 g
Pharmaceutical form Suppository
How is it taken Rectal
Excipients Gelatin, Purified Water
Pack sizes 12 suppository
Is it available? Listed as available (NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices – not a record of current supplies)
Shelf life 3 years
Storage Store below 25°C in a dry place
Drug group (ATC)
  1. A Alimentary tract and metabolism drugs
    1. A06 Drugs for constipation
      1. A06A Drugs for constipation
        1. A06AX Other drugs for constipation
          1. A06AX01 glycerol
Marketing authorisation PL 00156/0121 (first authorised 13 July 2009)
Marketing authorisation holder Martindale Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Codes GTIN 5014124384064 · BNF 01060200

Sources: the MHRA product information (products.mhra.gov.uk) and the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d), release 10.2.0 of 19 October 2026, NHS Business Services Authority. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.