Glycerol

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is an organic substance from the group of alcohols. It is usually a clear, colorless and viscous liquid, odorless and tasteless. Glycerol is one of the simplest alcohols and has the formula C3H8O3.

Glycerin is widely used in various industries, including medicine, cosmetics, food processing, pharmaceuticals, as well as in the production of explosives, plastics, textiles and other materials.

In medicine, glycerin is used as:

• Mild laxative: Glycerin can be used as a direct laxative, usually in the form of enemas or rectal suppositories, to help relieve constipation.
• Humectant: Due to its ability to attract and retain water, glycerin is used in various cosmetic and medical products to moisturize the skin and mucous membranes.
• Various Medical Uses: Glycerin can also be used as a solvent, preservative or emollient in various drugs and cosmetics.
• Mild numbing agent: Glycerin is sometimes used as a mild numbing agent to relieve throat irritation.

It is important to remember that when using glycerin for medical purposes, follow the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist and avoid self-medication.

Indications Glycerol

1. Constipation Relief: Glycerin can be used as a laxative to temporarily relieve constipation. It can be used in the form of rectal suppositories or enemas.
2. Skin moisturizing: Glycerin is widely used in cosmetic and medical products to moisturize the skin. It can be used to reduce dryness, flaking and irritation of the skin.
3. Maintaining moisture in mucous membranes: Glycerin can be used to moisturize mucous membranes, for example, for dry eyes or nose.
4. An excipient in medicinal products: Glycerin can be added to various medicinal products as an auxiliary component, for example, in syrups or solutions.
5. Temporary throat relief: Glycerin is sometimes used as a mild numbing agent to provide temporary relief from throat irritation.

Release form

Glycerin (glycerol) is usually available as a clear liquid.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Osmotic effect: Glycerin has a pronounced osmotic property. When introduced into the body, glycerin is able to attract water to itself from tissues and blood vessels. It may be useful in medical practice to hydrate tissues and increase circulating blood volume in certain conditions such as dehydration or hypovolemia.
2. Mild laxative effect: When glycerin is used as an enema, it can have a laxative effect. This is due to its osmotic property, which promotes water retention in the intestines, which leads to softening of the stool and improved peristalsis.
3. Skin Moisturizing: Glycerin is used in cosmetics and medicinal products to moisturize the skin. It has the ability to attract moisture from the environment and retain it in the epidermis, which helps to moisturize and soften the skin.
4. Solvent action: Glycerin is a good solvent for many substances, including many medicinal and cosmetic ingredients. This makes it a valuable ingredient in various drugs and cosmetics.
5. Food Use: Glycerin is also used in the food industry as a sweetener and preservative. It can improve the texture of foods and increase their shelf life.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Glycerin can be absorbed through the skin, mucous membranes and gastrointestinal tract.
2. Distribution: After absorption, glycerol is rapidly distributed throughout the body. It can penetrate cell membranes due to its low molecular weight.
3. Metabolism: Glycerol can be metabolized in the liver to form glucose. It can participate in the processes of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis.
4. Excretion: Glycerol is excreted from the body mainly through the kidneys as urea.

Dosing and administration

1. To moisturize the skin: Glycerin can be applied to the skin in its pure form or added to cosmetic products such as creams, lotions or masks for the face and body. Apply to skin morning and/or evening depending on skin needs.
2. As a laxative: Glycerin can be used as a laxative. It is usually taken orally as a mixture with water (usually in a 1:1 ratio) in a volume of 15 ml to 30 ml. It is recommended to consult with your doctor to determine the optimal dosage and frequency of administration.
3. For gentle cleansing of the intestines: Glycerin suppositories can be used for gentle cleansing of the intestines. It is usually recommended to insert one suppository into the rectum.

Use Glycerol during pregnancy

It is important to distinguish between the different forms of glycerin use and their possible risks and benefits during pregnancy.

Glycerin in the form of laxatives:

1. Safety: Glycerin suppositories or microenemas are considered relatively safe during pregnancy because they act locally and are minimally absorbed into the systemic circulation, which reduces the potential risk to the developing fetus.
2. Use: Glycerin suppositories can be used to relieve constipation, a common problem during pregnancy caused by hormonal changes and the physical pressure of the growing uterus on the intestines.

Glycerin in cosmetics and skin preparations:

1. Safety: Glycerin is widely used in moisturizers, lotions and other cosmetic products, and is considered safe for use during pregnancy. It helps maintain skin moisture, preventing dryness and itching, which can worsen during pregnancy due to changes in body hydration.
2. Uses: Using moisturizers with glycerin may be especially helpful for pregnant women who suffer from dry skin, eczema, or other skin irritations.

Contraindications

1. Individual intolerance: Some people may have an allergic reaction to or intolerance to glycerin. This may manifest as skin rashes, itching, redness, or other allergic symptoms.
2. Diabetes: Glycerin may cause an increase in blood glucose levels and its use may be contraindicated in people with diabetes or requires caution and blood sugar monitoring.
3. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Information on the safety of glycerin during pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited, so its use requires consultation with a doctor.
4. Kidney failure: In patients with severe kidney failure, glycerol can accumulate in the body and cause worsening of the condition. Therefore, its use requires caution and medical supervision.
5. Liver Impairment: Similar to renal impairment, glycerin may have effects on the liver and should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.
6. Hypertension: Patients with hypertension should avoid taking glycerin internally without first consulting a doctor as it may affect sodium and water levels in the body.
7. Drug Interactions: Glycerin may interact with certain medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you take before using it.

Side effects Glycerol

1. Rare allergic reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions to glycerin, such as skin rash, itching, or hives.
2. Skin Irritation: Applying glycerin to the skin may cause irritation in some cases, especially if you have sensitive or damaged skin.
3. Gastrointestinal disorders: Ingestion of glycerin may cause some gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, especially when used in large quantities or in cases of individual sensitivity.
4. Hyperglycemia: Glycerin may increase blood glucose levels, so people with diabetes should be careful when consuming it.
5. Drug Interactions: In some cases, glycerin may interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult a doctor before using glycerin, especially if the patient is taking other medications.

Overdose

1. Osmotic diuresis: When large doses of glycerol are consumed, acute plasma hypertension may occur due to the osmotic transfer of water from cells to the blood. This can lead to increased urine production (polyuria) and increased urination (polydipsia).
2. Diarrhea: The osmotic effect of glycerol can also lead to diarrhea, especially in children or people with sensitive intestines.
3. Hyperperturbation: Excess glycerol can cause a decrease in potassium in the body, which leads to electrolyte imbalance and possibly the development of hyperexcitement.
4. Skin and mucous membrane irritation: If glycerin is injected into the skin in large quantities or if it is used incorrectly, irritation of the skin or mucous membranes may occur.
5. Hyperglycemia: When glycerin is administered intravenously, an increase in blood glucose levels may occur, which is especially important for patients with diabetes.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Other medications: Glycerin may be used in combination with other medications in various dosage forms such as syrups or ointments. It is important to consider the possibility of interaction between the components of these combination drugs.
2. Drugs for the treatment of skin diseases: Glycerin can be used as a moisturizing component in cosmetics and medicinal ointments. When used together with other skin medications, their interactions should be taken into account to avoid unwanted effects.
3. Medicines for internal use: When using glycerin internally as a sweet syrup or as an additive in some medications, it is necessary to take into account its content in other medications to avoid excess.

Storage conditions

Glycerin is usually stored at room temperature, in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. It is important to avoid extreme temperatures and exposure to moisture. Bottles or containers containing glycerin should be tightly sealed to prevent contact with air, which could cause oxidation of the substance.

If glycerin is stored at low temperatures (below 15°C), it may freeze, but this will not affect its quality. When freezing glycerin, it is recommended to let it thaw completely before using.

In addition, care should be taken to ensure that glycerin does not come into the hands of children or pets, as this can be dangerous, especially if ingested in large quantities.