Constipation is a common digestive issue characterized by infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stool. While dietary adjustments and increased fluid intake often provide relief, suppositories offer another method for managing occasional constipation. These small, solid medications are inserted rectally to help facilitate a bowel movement.
How Suppositories Address Constipation
A suppository is a small, solid medication designed for rectal insertion. Once inside, it melts or dissolves due to body temperature, releasing medicinal ingredients. This allows the medication to act directly on the rectal area. For constipation, suppositories work by either softening stool or stimulating bowel muscles.
The active ingredients interact with the rectal lining to trigger a response. Some suppositories draw water into the colon, softening hard, dry stool. Others directly stimulate nerves and muscles within the intestinal wall, promoting contractions necessary for a bowel movement. This localized action helps relieve discomfort and encourage lower bowel evacuation.
Common Types of Constipation Suppositories
Over-the-counter constipation suppositories commonly feature glycerin or bisacodyl. Glycerin suppositories function as osmotic laxatives. They draw water from body tissues into the bowel, increasing stool water content and making it softer and easier to pass. Glycerin can also exert a mild local irritant effect, stimulating the urge to defecate.
Bisacodyl suppositories are stimulant laxatives. They work by directly stimulating nerve endings in the colonic mucosa, which increases rhythmic contractions of intestinal muscles, known as peristalsis. Bisacodyl also promotes water and electrolyte secretion into the colon, further contributing to stool softening and facilitating passage.
Administering Suppositories and Anticipating Results
Proper administration of a rectal suppository is important for effectiveness and comfort. Wash your hands thoroughly. Remove the suppository from its wrapper and moisten its tip with water or apply a small amount of water-based lubricant to aid insertion.
Assume a comfortable position, such as lying on your side with one leg bent towards your stomach, or standing with one leg elevated on a chair. Gently spread the buttocks and insert the tapered end of the suppository into the rectum, pushing it about one inch for adults, ensuring it passes beyond the anal sphincter. Remain in this position for approximately 15 minutes to allow the suppository to dissolve and prevent premature expulsion.
Suppositories generally act rapidly. Glycerin suppositories typically produce a bowel movement within 15 to 30 minutes. Bisacodyl suppositories usually work within 15 to 60 minutes. Users can expect a strong urge to have a bowel movement shortly after the expected onset time.
Essential Safety Information and Medical Guidance
While generally safe for occasional use, suppositories can cause some side effects. Common reactions include mild rectal burning or irritation, abdominal discomfort, cramping, nausea, or loose stools.
Suppositories are not intended for long-term or frequent use, as the body can develop reliance, potentially hindering natural bowel function. Avoid using suppositories if you experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or rectal bleeding. They are also not suitable for individuals with a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than two weeks, intestinal blockage, or severe dehydration.
Consult a healthcare professional if constipation symptoms persist or worsen despite suppository use, or if no bowel movement occurs within one hour of administration. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice rectal bleeding or experience severe abdominal pain.