Mechanism of Action of Glycerine Glycerine is a sweet clear viscous liquid with dehydrating property. It produces a warm sensation and irritates mucous membranes. When used as a suppository and applied to anal canal it induces evacuation. Glycerine soothes the irritated skin so it is used as a component of cough mixtures. When a 50% solution of Glycerine in water is applied to dry and chapped skin it acts as an emollient. When used a 10% solution I.V. it reduces intraocular or intracranial pressure. When used as a diuretic it significantly increases the osmolality of plasma and tubular fluid. It is pharmacologically inert and freely filtered at glomerulus and undergoes limited reabsorption by renal tubule and acts as osmotic diuretic.