Latin, Glycerinum (Gen., Glycerini)

Eng., Glycerin. Synonym, Glycerol. A liquid obtained by the hydrolysis of vegetable or animal fats or fixed oils.

Form

A clear, colorless liquid of a syrupy consistence.

Odor And Taste

Odorless. Sweet taste and producing a sense of warmth upon the mouth and lips.

Solubility

Miscible with water and alcohol in all proportions.

Incompatibles

Oxidizing agents such as nitric acid, potassium permanganate, etc.

Average Dose

1 fluidrachm (4 mils).

Official Preparations.

Suppositoria Glycerini

Eng., Suppositories of Glycerin. Each suppository contains about 3 Gm. (45 grains) of Glycerin. Glycerin is a constituent of all the glycerites and of many other official preparations.

Therapeutic Action

Laxative, dehydrating agent, antiseptic, emollient.

Uses

Largely used as a vehicle, solvent and sweetening agent. Used by rectum as a laxative. By vaginal tampons it is used for subinvolution, pelvic congestion, etc. Recommended for renal calculi, chronic constipation and many other conditions. Externally it is used in many lotions and ointments for skin diseases.

Administration

Glycerin is not often prescribed alone, but is a constituent of many preparations for internal or local use. The following will illustrate:

In the treatment of bronchitis:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water every three hours.

In the treatment of tuberculosis:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water or milk after meals.

In a purgative preparation:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in. water after meals.

Locally

The strong affinity of Glycerin for water makes it a valuable agent in preparations for use as tampons, suppositories, etc.

It is a much-used emollient, and is a constituent of many face lotions, etc. Some combinations of glycerin for local use are shown in the following:

As a local application for chapped hands, etc.:

M.

Sig

Apply after bathing.

1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment.

2 Ibid.

3 Hughes: Practice of Medicine.

Used for cleansing the nose in infectious diseases:

M.

Sig

Spray as directed.