GLYCERINE SUPPOSITORIES

[gussmithy]

Hello. I've recently been advised that, after 30 years of regular use, I've been using these suppositories in the wrong way. Basically, I've been told that, after insertion, I should wait until they have melted. My question is: how does one know when they've melted? I've waited 3/4 hour and they do not appear to have melted. Any advice gratefully received.

[jimister]

I keep them in until i get the urge to go to the toilet as long as you don't pass them out too soon after putting them in. They don't have to completely melt to be effective. But the more constipated you are the longer they will need to stay in because the stool will be harder.

[gussmithy in reply to jimister]

Thank you, Jimister, that's helpful. I was recently told to take them last thing at night, to go to the toilet when get up. I would not think that one could keep them in that long....

[jimister in reply to gussmithy]

I think you would find it hard to keep them in overnight, they would start to leak out. Also I find if I keep them in too long I get a lot of wind, and will have cramping abdominal pain for the whole day. They are not meant to be used like an oral laxative that takes hours to work.

[rubberpants3]

Thank goodness for suppositories ! I have periods of not pooing for up to 4 days, and that’s when I use 2 suppositories. After about 20 to 30 minutes I have several uncontrollable and very comfortable bowel movements, such a relief. Occasionally I will take a laxative instead, not often, but that can require me to be at home for a few hours as my bowel movements are more numerous, and occur, again uncontrollably, over a more extended period. I wish you well with your suppository experiences - they work well for me.

[redberrymam]

There are some poorly manufactured ones out there, esp. in countries where they use solid stearate-based suppositories instead of gelatin ones. If they don't melt within about ten minutes, you need to change suppliers.