Fleet glycerin suppositories are inserted into the rectum to relieve constipation, and they typically produce a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes. They work by drawing water into the lower intestine and gently irritating the rectal lining, which triggers the muscles to contract and move stool out. The process is straightforward once you know the correct positioning and technique.
Before You Start
Remove the foil wrapping from a single suppository. Wet the rounded tip with cold water to lubricate it and make insertion more comfortable. Do not use petroleum jelly or other greasy lubricants, as they can interfere with how the suppository dissolves. If the suppository feels too soft to handle, run it under cold water for a minute or place it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to firm it up. Store your remaining suppositories in a tightly closed container away from excessive heat so they hold their shape.
Step-by-Step Insertion
Lie on your left side with your lower leg straightened out and your upper leg bent forward toward your stomach. This position aligns your rectum in a way that makes insertion easier and more effective. Lift your upper buttock to expose the rectal area.
With the pointed end of the suppository facing inward, apply gentle, steady pressure to insert it completely into the rectum. Push it in about one inch for adults (roughly the length of your first finger joint past the opening). If you feel resistance, it helps to bear down slightly as if you were having a bowel movement. This relaxes the muscles around the anus and lets the suppository slide in with less discomfort. You can use a single finger to guide it past the sphincter.
Once the suppository is fully inserted, lower your buttock and stay lying on your side for about 15 to 20 minutes. Squeeze your buttocks together gently to keep the suppository from slipping out. The urge to have a bowel movement will build during this time. You do not need to retain it for the full hour if the urge becomes strong, but giving it at least 15 minutes produces the best results.
How Many to Use and How Often
The standard adult dose is one suppository once per day. Do not use more than one in a 24-hour period unless specifically directed otherwise. For short-term constipation relief, you should not use glycerin suppositories for longer than one week. If constipation persists beyond that, a different approach is likely needed.
Using Fleet Suppositories for Children
Fleet makes a smaller children’s suppository containing 1.2 grams of glycerin, designed for kids ages 2 to 5. The dose is one suppository once daily. Children under 2 should not use glycerin suppositories without a doctor’s guidance. The insertion technique is the same, but you’ll want to be especially gentle and insert only about half an inch. Having a child lie on their left side with knees drawn up works well.
What It Feels Like
Most people feel a mild warmth or slight burning sensation after insertion. This is normal and comes from the glycerin drawing moisture into the area. You may also feel some cramping as the rectal muscles begin contracting. These sensations are temporary and usually fade once you have a bowel movement. If the burning is significant or you experience sharp pain, the suppository may be irritating existing tissue. Rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, or nausea after use are signs you should stop and talk to a healthcare provider rather than continuing to use suppositories.
Tips for a Smoother Experience
- Timing matters. Many people find it easiest to use a suppository in the morning about 20 minutes after breakfast, when your digestive system is naturally more active.
- Stay near a bathroom. Once you insert the suppository, the urge can come on quickly. Don’t plan to run errands during that 15 to 60 minute window.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water both before and after the process.
- Cold water only for wetting the tip. Warm water can start melting the suppository in your hand before you insert it.
- Relax your body. Tensing up makes insertion harder and more uncomfortable. Slow breathing helps.
When Suppositories Are Not the Right Choice
Glycerin suppositories are designed for occasional, short-term constipation. They are not appropriate if you have unexplained rectal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or signs of a bowel obstruction like vomiting combined with an inability to pass gas. If you find yourself relying on suppositories regularly, that pattern usually points to a dietary, hydration, or motility issue worth investigating rather than continuing to treat symptom by symptom.