Glycerol: A Review of Its Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Adverse Reactions, and Clinical Use

Abstract

Glycerol is a potent osmotic dehydrating agent with additional effects on brain metabolism. In doses of 0.25-2.0 g/kg glycerol decreases intracranial pressure in numerous disease states, including Reye's syndrome, stroke, encephalitis, meningitis, pseudotumor cerebri, central nervous system tumor, and space occupying lesions. It is also effective in lowering intraocular pressure in glaucoma and shrinking the brain during neurosurgical procedures. Hyperosmolality with rebound cerebral overhydration is of concern, especially in patients with altered blood brain barriers. They may be avoided if glycerol is administered on an intermittent rather than a continuous basis. Intravascular hemolysis does not occur with oral use. When administered intravenously, hemolysis can be minimized by using glycerol 10% in dextrose 5% with normal saline at rates of 6 mg/kg/min or less. However, intravenous doses of 1-2 g/kg every 2 hr can be administered safely in severe cases of elevated ICP. In such patients, glycerol serum concentration, serum osmolality and ICP monitoring are required to optimize glycerol therapy.

Glycerol Absorption by Na+-Dependent Carrier-Mediated Transport in the Closed Loop of the Rat Small Intestine

“…Considering that the intestinal absorption of glycerol, a potent oral osmotic dehydrating agent for the treatment of glaucoma, is highly efficient 3) and that glycerol is a nutritional component that can be liberated from dietary fat (triglycerides) in the intestinal tract, 4,5) it is possible that a carrier-mediated transport system is involved in the efficient absorption and utilization of this nutritional substance. Therefore, to further confirm the suggestion from our earlier studies and clarify the physiological relevance, we examined the absorption of glycerol using the closed loop of the rat small intestine in situ.…”

Functional Characterization of the Carrier-Mediated Transport System for Glycerol in Everted Sacs of the Rat Small Intestine

“…We also found an earlier report suggesting carrier-mediated glycerol transport in the rabbit small intestine, 2) in agreement with our own finding. Considering that the intestinal absorption of glycerol, which is a potent oral osmotic dehydrating agent for the treatment of glaucoma, is highly efficient 3) and that glycerol is a nutritional component that can be liberated from dietary fat (triglycerides) in the intestinal tract, 4,5) it is possible that a carrier-mediated transport system is involved in the efficient absorption and utilization of this nutritional substance.…”

Effectiveness of Glycerol Ingestion for Enhanced Body Water Retention during Cold Water Immersion

“…A two-to three-fold intersubject variation in GLY clearance has 20 been reported for humans (Frank et al 1981). Riedesel et al (1987) found that sGLY concentrations had decreased by only 29% (4.3 mM) four hours After ingesting the GLY solution.…”

“…Peak sGLY concentrations are reported to occur within 60 to 90 minutes following ingestion (Frank et al 1981).…”