Feeding intolerance, a common problem in preterm infants, usually manifests with the presence of residual feeds/aspirates before the next scheduled feeding, bilious aspirates, abdominal distension, emesis or lack of stooling (1,2). In such situations, clinical management includes discontinuation of enteral feeds and administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The detrimental effects of prolonged administration of TPN include sepsis, TPN-related cholestasis and hepatic dysfunction, longer hospital stays and higher costs to the health care system (3–5). Therefore, strategies (1) to promote feeding tolerance and to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) have been used, such as the administration of antenatal steroids (6–8), exclusive use of breast milk (9–12), early initiation of enteral feeds, mode of administration of feeds (continuous versus bolus feeds) and use of probiotic and prokinetic agents. In addition, glycerin laxatives (enema or suppositories) have been used to encourage the passage of meconium, decrease gastrointestinal transit time and improve feeding tolerance. Glycerin laxatives stimulate evacuation by being an osmotic dehydrating agent and increasing osmotic pressure in the gut. We reviewed the literature to evaluate the effectiveness of pro-phylactic glycerin enema or suppository in preventing feeding intolerance in preterm infants of ≤32 weeks’ gestational age (GA) or having a birthweight (BW) of ≤1500 g.