Suppository
Overview
A suppository is a drug delivery system that is inserted into the rectum
(rectal suppository), vagina
(vaginal suppository) or urethra
(urethral suppository), where it dissolves.
They are used to deliver both systemically-acting and locally-acting medications.
The alternative term for delivery of medicine
via such routes is pharmaceutical pessary
.
The general principle is that the suppository is inserted as a solid, and will dissolve inside the body to deliver the medicine pseudo received by the many blood vessels that follow the larger intestine.
Rectal suppositories are commonly used for:
In 1991, Abd-El-Maeboud and his colleagues published a study in The Lancet, based upon their investigation into whether there was some hidden and forgotten knowledge behind the traditional shape of a rectal suppository.
Their research very clearly demonstrated that there was, indeed, a very good reason for the traditional torpedo shape; namely, that the shape had a strong influence on the extent to which the rectal suppository traveled internally — and, thus, upon its increased efficiency.
They (counter-intuitively) found that the ideal mode of insertion was to insert suppositories blunt end first, rather than the generally used mode of inserting the tapered end first.
Rectum
The rectum is the final straight portion of the large intestine in some mammals, and the gut in others, terminating in the anus. The human rectum is about 12 cm long...
(rectal suppository), vagina
Vagina
The vagina is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials, or to the cloaca in female birds, monotremes, and some reptiles. Female insects and other invertebrates also have a vagina, which is the terminal part of the...
(vaginal suppository) or urethra
Urethra
In anatomy, the urethra is a tube that connects the urinary bladder to the genitals for the removal of fluids out of the body. In males, the urethra travels through the penis, and carries semen as well as urine...
(urethral suppository), where it dissolves.
They are used to deliver both systemically-acting and locally-acting medications.
The alternative term for delivery of medicine
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
via such routes is pharmaceutical pessary
Pessary
A pessary is a small plastic or silicone medical device which is inserted into the vagina or rectum and held in place by the pelvic floor musculature. - Therapeutic pessaries :...
.
The general principle is that the suppository is inserted as a solid, and will dissolve inside the body to deliver the medicine pseudo received by the many blood vessels that follow the larger intestine.
Rectal suppositories are commonly used for:
- laxativeLaxativeLaxatives are foods, compounds, or drugs taken to induce bowel movements or to loosen the stool, most often taken to treat constipation. Certain stimulant, lubricant, and saline laxatives are used to evacuate the colon for rectal and/or bowel examinations, and may be supplemented by enemas under...
purposes, with chemicals such as glycerin or bisacodylBisacodylBisacodyl is a stimulant laxative drug that works directly on the large colon to produce a bowel movement. It is typically prescribed for relief of constipation and for the management of neurogenic bowel dysfunction as well as part of bowel preparation before medical examinations, such as for a... - treatment of hemorrhoids by delivering a moisturizer or vasoconstrictor
- delivery of many other systemically-acting medications, such as promethazinePromethazinePromethazine is a first-generation antihistamine of the phenothiazine family. The drug has anti-motion sickness, antiemetic, and anticholinergic effects, as well as a strong sedative effect and in some countries is prescribed for insomnia when benzodiazepines are contraindicated...
or aspirinAspirinAspirin , also known as acetylsalicylic acid , is a salicylate drug, often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication. It was discovered by Arthur Eichengrun, a chemist with the German company Bayer... - general medical administration purposes: the substance crosses the rectal mucosa into the bloodstream; examples include paracetamolParacetamolParacetamol INN , or acetaminophen USAN , is a widely used over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic . It is commonly used for the relief of headaches and other minor aches and pains and is a major ingredient in numerous cold and flu remedies...
(acetaminophen), diclofenacDiclofenacDiclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug taken to reduce inflammation and as an analgesic reducing pain in certain conditions....
, opiates, and eucalyptolEucalyptolEucalyptol is a natural organic compound which is a colorless liquid. It is a cyclic ether and a monoterpenoid.Eucalyptol is also known by a variety of synonyms: 1,8-cineol, 1,8-cineole, limonene oxide, cajeputol, 1,8-epoxy-p-menthane, 1,8-oxido-p-menthane, eucalyptol, eucalyptole,...
suppositories.
In 1991, Abd-El-Maeboud and his colleagues published a study in The Lancet, based upon their investigation into whether there was some hidden and forgotten knowledge behind the traditional shape of a rectal suppository.
Their research very clearly demonstrated that there was, indeed, a very good reason for the traditional torpedo shape; namely, that the shape had a strong influence on the extent to which the rectal suppository traveled internally — and, thus, upon its increased efficiency.
They (counter-intuitively) found that the ideal mode of insertion was to insert suppositories blunt end first, rather than the generally used mode of inserting the tapered end first.
