Suppositoria Glycerini (U. S. P.)—Suppositories of Glycerin.
Related entry: Glycerinum (U. S. P.)—Glycerin.
Preparation.—"Glycerin, sixty grammes (60 Gm.) [2 ozs. av., 51 grs.]; sodium carbonate, three grammes (3 Gm.) [46 grs.]; stearic acid, five grammes (5 Gm.) [77 grs.]. To make 10 rectal suppositories. Dissolve the sodium carbonate in the glycerin in a capsule on a water-bath; then add the stearic acid, and heat carefully until this is dissolved, and the escape of carbonic acid gas has ceased. Then pour the melted mass into suitable molds, remove the suppositories when they are cold, and wrap each in tin-foil. These suppositories should be freshly prepared when required"—(U. S. P.). The U. S. P. suppository contains 90 per cent of glycerin. The hygroscopic nature of glycerin renders it necessary to cover the suppository in some manner, as by paraffin or tin-foil, which latter is recommended in the formula. The official suppository weighs about 102 grains.
Action and Medical Uses.—These suppositories, by the irritating presence of the glycerin, provoke rectal action, causing an alvine evacuation. They are useful in some cases of constipation depending upon atony of the lower bowel. They should not be used continuously.
