Why Is Glycerin a Laxative?

Glycerin is an organic compound that has many uses. Glycerin is used in foods as a preservative and sweetener and as a thickener in liqueurs. Glycerin is also an ingredient in many health products like cough syrup, soap and laxatives. Glycerin is an effective laxative, irritating the anal mucosa and stimulating excretion. Glycerin also pulls water into the stool from the intestines, easing elimination, according to the American Cancer Society.

Mechanism

• Glycerin acts as a hyperosmotic laxative. This means that glycerin retains water, increasing the amount of fluid in the intestine, according to the Drug Reference Encyclopedia. Glycerin also stimulates excretion by acting as a mild irritant to the anal mucosa. For this reason, glycerin belongs to the group of laxatives known as stimulant laxatives.

Chemistry

• According to the website Bio Info Bank, glycerin (or glycerol) has the chemical formula HOCH2CH(OH)CH2OH. The hydroxyl groups (OH) make glycerol water soluble and hygroscopic. Hygroscopic molecules attract water molecules from the surrounding substrate.

Mode of Use

• Glycerin is available as a suppository and as an enema. Suppositories are solid, bullet-shaped and inserted into the rectum. As the suppository dissolves, the glycerin is released. Enemas are bottles or bags filled with a liquid glycerin solution, designed to be squeezed into the rectum, according to the website Enema Tips.

Lubrication

• In addition to its hygroscopic properties and its action as a mild irritant, glycerin is also a lubricant. Lubricating the intestines with glycerin enemas or suppositories aids in the elimination of hard or rough stools, according to the American Cancer Society. Glycerin is used in personal lubricants, as well as in laxatives.

Constipation

• According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, constipation is one of the most common problems of the gastrointestinal tract in the United States. Constipation can be caused by a wide variety of diseases, lifestyle choices and medications. Glycerin laxatives provide a safe and effective treatment for constipation that works well for the majority of sufferers.

Prevention/Solution

• Preventing constipation in the first place can help you avoid the need for medications, like glycerin. The America Cancer Society recommends that you eat a well-balanced, high fiber diet; drink plenty of water; exercise regularly; pay attention when you feel the urge to use the bathroom; understand that bowel habits can change; and visit the doctor if bowel habits change drastically.