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1 Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

CNS: confusion, headache. GI: diarrhea, cramping, nausea, vomiting. F and E: de- PDF Page #1
glycerin (gli-ser-in) hydration. Misc: thirst.
Fleet Babylax, Sani-Supp Interactions
Classification Drug-Drug: None known.
Therapeutic: antiglaucoma agents, laxatives
Pharmacologic: osmotics Route/Dosage
Pregnancy Category C Laxative
Rect (Adults and Children ⬎6 yr): 1 adult suppository 1– 2 times/day as needed
Indications or 5– 15 mL as an enema.
Rect: Treatment of constipation. Ophth: Reduction of corneal edema. Rect (Children ⬍6 yr): 1 infant suppository 1– 2 times/day as needed or 2– 5 mL
as an enema.
Action
Draws water into the lumen of the colon. Osmotically draws water from extravascular Reduction of Corneal Edema
spaces, including the eye, into intravascular compartment. Therapeutic Effects: Ophth (Adults and Children): 1– 2 drops in eye(s) prior to examination or 1– 2
Relief of constipation. Reduction of corneal edema. drops in eye(s) every 3– 4 hr for lubricant effect.
Pharmacokinetics NURSING IMPLICATIONS
Absorption: Not significantly absorbed from colonic mucosa. Assessment
Distribution: Remains in the intravascular space. ● Laxative: Assess patient for abdominal distention, presence of bowel sounds, and
Metabolism and Excretion: 80% metabolized by the liver, 10– 20% metabo- normal pattern of bowel function.
lized by the kidneys. ● Assess color, consistency, and amount of stool produced.
Half-life: 30– 45 min. ● Lab Test Considerations: May cause slightly elevated serum and urine glucose
TIME/ACTION PROFILE concentrations.
ROUTE ONSET PEAK DURATION Potential Nursing Diagnoses
Rect (laxative effect) unknown 15–30 min unknown Constipation (Indications)
Deficient knowledge, related to medication regimen (Patient/Family Teaching)
Ophth (reduced cor- unknown unknown 3–4 hr
neal swelling) Implementation
● Rect: Glycerin suppository or enema usually causes evacuation of the colon in
15– 30 min.
Contraindications/Precautions
Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity. Patient/Family Teaching
Use Cautiously in: Severe dehydration; Geriatric patients (increased risk of dehy- ● Instruct patient to take glycerin as directed. Do not take more than the amount
dration). prescribed.
⫽ Canadian drug name. ⫽ Genetic Implication. CAPITALS indicate life-threatening, underlines indicate most frequent. Strikethrough ⫽ Discontinued.
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● Laxative: Advise patient that laxatives should be used only for short-term therapy. PDF Page #2
Long-term therapy may cause electrolyte imbalance and dependence.
● Caution patients not to use laxatives when abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or
fever is present.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes
● Soft, formed bowel movement.
● Decrease in corneal edema.
Why was this drug prescribed for your patient?

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