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Suppositories how to use them

Date issued: March 2023

Review date: March 2025

Ref: C-451/AC/Colorectal/Suppositories and how to use them v2 

PDF:  Suppositories final March 2023 v2.pdf [pdf] 278KB

There are differing types of suppositories available and the type of suppository you will be offered will depend on the reason for them being used. They are commonly used for patients suffering with constipation, but they can also be used to improve the emptying of the back passage (rectum) for individuals with pelvic floor issues, for example faecal incontinence, prolapses.

Glycerin (Glycerol) Suppositories

What are Glycerin suppositories?                         

Glycerin suppositories are mild laxatives to remove poo from the back passage. They are for rectal use only, which means they are inserted into the back passage.

Glycerin suppositories can be used for either:

  • Relieving constipation

  • Improving emptying of the back passage

The suppository works by its mildly irritating action prompting a rectal contraction and emptying of the bowel. Sometimes they can be used for patients with faecal incontinence. This is because the suppository will cause the back passage to empty and then there is nothing to leak out.

How do they work?

Once the suppository has been inserted into the back passage it will melt, lubricating and softening the poo. They will stimulate the bowel muscles to contract. These contractions help to move the poo along and makes passing of them much easier.

When they are used to treat faecal incontinence, it may be in conjunction with Loperamide, which slows the bowel movements down and the Glycerin helps to empty the back passage completely.

What are the risks with using Glycerin Suppositories?

They are very safe and do not react with other medication. It is safe to use them long-term to help with symptom control. There may be mild side effects, but these are uncommon, for example some irritation/burning after insertion, abdominal pain, swelling and loose poo. Cramps will often subside shortly after the bowels are empty. Some people experience a slight swelling around the anus but this should settle quickly.

Do not use Glycerin suppositories   

  • If you have not been advised by your healthcare staff

  • If you have an allergy to any medication containing glycerine (glycerol)

  • If you have an allergy to any of the ingredients listed in the product leaflet.

How to insert them to improve rectal emptying

  • Go to the bathroom first to try to empty your back passage.

  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water.

  • Unwrap the suppository, but keep in the packet until you are ready to use it.

  • Rub a water-based lubricant over the tip or dip it in water. It will help you slide it in smoothly.

  • Get in a comfortable position. You can stand with one leg up on a chair or lie on your side with one leg straight and the other bent in toward your stomach.

  • Gently spread your buttocks open.

  • Carefully push the suppository, tapered end first, about the length of your finger into your back passage. Some people find that inserting the suppository blunt end first is easier. If it comes out straight away it may not be inserted far enough into the back passage. Ensure that it goes beyond the sphincter, which is the ring of muscle, and into the rectum.

  • Close your legs and sit or lie, holding the suppository for about 15-30 minutes to allow time for it to melt. If you have an urge to empty as soon as you have inserted the suppository, try to ‘hang on’ a little longer as you will have better results.

  • Once the urge is strong, go to the bathroom to empty your back passage.

  • Wash your hands again with warm water and soap.

How many do I use?

Please follow the advice of your Nurse / Physio / Doctor but generally adults should use one 4g suppository a day, at a time that’s convenient to you. First thing in the morning after breakfast is often the most successful time, this is when the urge to have your bowels open may be strongest.

They are a safe medication to use and not addictive so can be used long term.

Keep your suppositories in a cool, dry place.

Lecicarbon A Suppositories

What are Lecicarbon A suppositories?

Lecicarbon A suppositories are mild laxatives used to remove poo from the back passage (rectum). They are for rectal use only, which means they are inserted into the back passage.

Lecicarbon A suppositories can be used for either

  • Relieving constipation

  • Improving rectal emptying

How do they work?

Once a suppository has been inserted into the back passage, the body’s heat gently melts the suppository, producing a gas (carbon dioxide) which gently stimulates the bowel.

What are the risks with using Lecicarbon A suppositories

Lecicarbon A Suppositories do not normally cause any problems (side effects). In rare cases, Lecicarbon can cause a slight ‘burning’ sensation after insertion which quickly disappears.

Do not use Lecicarbon A suppositories

  • If you have a soya or peanut allergy as Lecicarbon A contains soya lethicin, which has been known to cause allergic reactions

  • If you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed in the product leaflet

  • If you suffer from an enlargement of the end of the large intestine due to various causes for example, toxic megacolon. The product should only be used with explicit permission of the doctor.

How to insert them to improve rectal emptying

  • Go to the bathroom first to try to empty your back passage.

  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water.

  • Before Lecicarbon A Suppository can be used, remove from the packaging by separating one suppository from the strip at the perforation. Grasp the plastic tabs in both hands and pull apart.

  • Insert the suppository through the anus. Insertion is made easier if the suppository is first dipped into water.

  • The onset of action is after 15 to 30 minutes.

Do not use oil or petroleum jelly as a lubricant.

How many do I use?

Please follow the advice of your Nurse / Physio / Doctor, but generally they will recommend you use just one suppository a day at a time that is convenient to you. First thing in the morning, after breakfast is often the most successful time when the urge to have your bowels open may be strongest.

They are a safe medication to use and not addictive so can be used long term.

Do not store above 25° C.

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