Suppositories

Definition of Suppositories

• Suppositories are solid dosage forms intended for insertion into body cavities, such as the rectum, vagina, or urethra, where they melt, soften, or dissolve to release the active pharmaceutical ingredient(s).
• They are typically made from a base material that is either lipophilic (fat-soluble) or hydrophilic (water-soluble).

Types of suppositories:

1. Rectal suppositories:

   • These are the most common type of suppositories and are intended for insertion into the rectum.
   • They are usually cone- or torpedo-shaped and are used for local or systemic drug delivery.

2. Vaginal suppositories (pessaries):

   • These suppositories are inserted into the vagina and used to treat local infections or to deliver hormones for contraceptive purposes.
   • They are usually oval or globular in shape.

3. Urethral suppositories:

   • These are less common and are intended for insertion into the male or female urethra.
   • They are typically used for local anaesthesia or the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Advantages of suppositories:

1. Bypass first-pass metabolism:

   • Drugs administered via suppositorie can avoid first-pass metabolism in the liver, which may improve bioavailability for certain drugs.

2. Alternative route for patients with difficulty swallowing:

   • Suppositorie are useful for patients who have difficulty swallowing oral medications, such as young children, the elderly, or those with swallowing disorders.

3. Suitable for unconscious or nauseous patients:

   • Suppositorie can be administered to patients who are unconscious or experiencing nausea and vomiting, making them a practical alternative to oral medications.

4. Local treatment:

   • Suppositorie can deliver drugs directly to the site of action for local treatment, such as treating haemorrhoids or vaginal infections.

Disadvantages of suppositorie:

1. Patient acceptability:

   • Some patients may be reluctant to use suppositorie due to the invasive nature of the administration route or cultural factors.

2. Limited drug absorption:

   • The absorption of certain drugs may be limited or erratic in the rectal or vaginal mucosa, which can affect their efficacy.

3. Melting and leakage:

   • Suppositorie can melt or leak at body temperature, causing discomfort and messiness.

4. Incompatibility with certain drugs:

   • Some drugs may be incompatible with suppository bases or may have poor stability at the melting point of the base.

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