Suppositories are a commonly used form of medication administration delivered rectally.

What Are Suppositories?

Suppositories are small, cone-shaped forms of medication that are inserted rectally. There, they dissolve and release their active ingredients, serving for the local or systemic treatment of various conditions, including fever, pain, inflammation, and nausea.

Application of Suppositories

The application involves some fundamental steps:

1. Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after application to prevent the transfer of germs.
2. Positioning: Lie on your side with bent knees to facilitate the insertion of the suppository.
3. Insertion: Gently introduce the suppository into the anus, avoiding excessive depth.
4. Resting Position: Stay in the same position for a few minutes after insertion to ensure optimal absorption of the active ingredients.

Characteristics of Suppositories

1. Quick Action: Suppositories are absorbed relatively fast by the body as they bypass the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Gentle on the stomach: Rectal administration may be suitable for Individuals with a sensitive gastrointestinal system  as it bypasses the stomach lining.
3. Suitable for Children and the Elderly: Suppositories may be an option for individuals having difficulty swallowing tablets or liquids.

Tips and Tricks

1. Warmth: Before application, you can briefly warm the suppository in your hands. Avoid applying oils or creams to the suppository, as this could reduce drug absorption.
2. Relaxation Techniques: Relax before application to ease the insertion process.
3. Do Not Cut: Suppositories should not be cut unless expressly recommended by a doctor, as this could affect dosage and drug release.
4. Storage: Store suppositories in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions in a cool place to maintain their effectiveness.

The information is to be understood as general information that may differ from the package leaflet of your pharmaceutical product. The respective package leaflet is binding for the pharmaceutical product you are using.