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Suppositories are solid that enter the body through the rectum, vagina, or urethra.
Rectal suppositories are the most common type of suppository.
We also provide some helpful troubleshooting tips and advice for people who need
to use this type of medication.
Uses of suppositories
People use suppositories when they are unable to take drugs orally.
Suppositories are another way to deliver drugs to the body when other routes, such
as oral, cannot be used.
A suppository is small and may be round, oval, or cone-shaped. A substance, such as
cocoa butter or gelatin, surrounds the medication. The suppository dissolves to
release the drug once inside the body.
Suppositories may treat the local area, or the medicine may travel to other parts of
the body through the bloodstream.
Suppositories deliver many types of medication, and a person may need to use them
if they:
Research also suggests that taking medications through the rectum allows for a
relatively constant environment for a drug to be delivered. The rate of absorption
may, however, be lower than that of drugs taken by mouth.
Rectal suppositories go in the rectum or anus. They are typically an inch long and
have a rounded tip.
constipation
fever
hemorrhoids
mental health issues such as anxiety, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder
nausea, including motion sickness
pain
Vaginal suppositories
Urethral suppositories
Men may use a type of urethral suppository to treat erection problems in rare cases.
These suppositories are the size of a grain of rice and deliver a drug called alprostadil.
How to insert a rectal suppository
Anyone using a rectal suppository may want to refer to the following steps for
guidance:
1. Get prepared
Dip the tip of the suppository in water, or apply a small amount of water-based
lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly that is available to buy online. A lubricant helps the
suppository more easily slide into the rectum.
Remove clothing from the lower half of the body.
Find the correct position. Either stand up with one foot on a chair or lie down
on one side with the top leg bent slightly toward the stomach. Caregivers
giving the suppository to another person often find it easier if the person is
lying down.
3. Insert the suppository
Sit or lie still for 10 minutes after inserting the suppository. Staying still allows
time for the suppository to dissolve in the body. Parents may need to hold a
child’s buttocks closed during this time.
Dispose of all materials, including the suppository wrapper and any tissue
paper.
Wash the hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Try to avoid passing stool for up to 60 minutes after inserting the suppository, unless
it is a laxative. Not passing stool gives the medication enough time to enter the
bloodstream and start working.
How to insert a vaginal suppository
1. Get prepared
Wash hands with soap and warm water, or use a hand sanitizer if these are not
available. Dry the hands well on a clean towel or paper towel.
Unwrap the suppository, and place it in the accompanying applicator.
Either stand with the knees bent and feet apart or lie down with the knees
bent toward the chest.
2. Insert the suppository
Place the applicator into the vagina, as far as possible, without causing
discomfort.
Press down on the plunger to push in the suppository.
Remove the applicator from the vagina, and dispose of it.
Lie down for 10 minutes to allow the medicine to enter the body.
Wash the hands once more with soap and warm water.
Consider using a sanitary towel for a few hours, as some of the suppository may leak
out onto the underwear.
How to insert a urethral suppository
1. Get prepared
Massage the stretched penis firmly for 10 to 15 seconds to allow the medicine
to be absorbed.
Dispose of the applicator and any other materials.
Wash the hands once more with soap and warm water.
Risks and side effects
Suppositories are usually safe to use. Sometimes, some of the medication may leak
out. To avoid a mess, people may want to wear a sanitary towel or incontinence pad.
Some people may experience irritation around the area where they inserted the
suppository. If this is severe or persists, they should see a doctor.
Occasionally, the body may not absorb the medication delivered by a suppository as
well as it does oral medications.
The following tips may help people who need to use suppositories: