Suppositories

Definition

Suppositories are solid medical preparations designed for insertion into body cavities, where they dissolve or melt to exert local or systemic effects. Common sites of administration include the rectum and vagina.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Suppositories bypass the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the risk of drug degradation by stomach acids.
2. They are ideal for patients who cannot swallow medications due to nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.
3. Rectal suppositories can provide both local effects (e.g., treating hemorrhoids) and systemic effects (e.g., antipyretic effects).
4. Proper storage is crucial as suppositories can melt at room temperature; they should be kept in a cool place or refrigerated.
5. Insertion technique varies depending on the site of administration but generally involves washing hands, using gloves, and ensuring the suppository is inserted past the sphincter muscle.

Review Questions

• Why might a healthcare provider choose a suppository over an oral medication?
• What are some common conditions that can be treated with rectal suppositories?
• What storage conditions are typically recommended for suppositories?

Related terms

Enteral Administration: The delivery of medication via the gastrointestinal tract, including oral and rectal routes.

Parenteral Administration: The delivery of medication through non-oral routes such as intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injection.

Topical Administration: Application of drugs directly to a particular area on the skin or mucous membranes to exert local effects.