Rectal Suppositories
Definition:
Rectal suppositories are those that are placed in the anal cavity and are absorbed from the membrane surrounding the anal cavity. Their shapes differ from one suppository to another, as some have the shape of a bullet and others have a finger-like shape, and some have a torpedo shape. The suppository may be tapered from one end or from both ends , but in general, all suppositories are cylindrical in shape.
Weight and length:
As for the length of the suppository, its length is most often about 32 mm. As for the weight of the suppository in adults, it is 2 grams, while in children, its weight is approximately 1 gram.
Local and systemic uses of rectal suppositories:
1- local use : soothing inflamed haemorrhoids and laxatives.
2- systemic use: nausea , vomiting , sedation and relieve pain.
When are suppositories used as systemic?
1- If the drug is destroyed by a gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
2- Some patients experience vomiting when using oral medication.
3- When the patient is unable to take the drug orally.
4- When the patient is unconscious.
Advantages of rectal suppositories:
1- It gives a local or systemic effect.
2- It melts at body temperature.
3- Drug stability.
4- The suppository can have a large capacity of the drug dose.
5- Suitable for medicines that have an unpleasant taste or smell when used orally.
6- Easy to use, especially for the elderly and children.
7- Useful for promoting bowel emptying, especially for patients suffering from constipation.
8- It can be given to unconscious patients.
9- Useful for rapid and direct effect in rectum.
10- It can benefit people who cannot take the drug in oral form due to the presence of diseases in the upper gastrointestinal tract such as peptic ulcer, because it interferes with the absorption of the drug.
11-It may be given to patients who suffer from irritation when
using the drug in oral form to avoid vomiting.
Disadvantages of rectal suppositories:
1- Some medicines that cause irritation to the anus.
2- There are patients who do not prefer to use rectal suppositories because they are uncomfortable.
3- Rectal suppositories should be stored at a low temperature, because the high temperature may melt, and in this case the patient will not benefit from them.
4- Some rectal suppositories can be very expensive and not easy to prepare.
5- Sometimes defecation may affect the absorption of the drug from the rectal suppository.
6- The microbial flora that is naturally present in the rectum may degrade the drug in the rectum, leading to the patient not benefiting from the drug.
7- The suppository may be affected by the rate of dissolution in the rectum , the reason is that the fluids in the rectum are much less than those in the intestine.