Getting to Know Suppositories: Stop The Myth How Do They Work?
In everyday life, medicines are available in various forms or dosage forms designed to be easy to use and to work optimally in the body. The most commonly known forms are tablets and capsules taken by mouth, syrups for children, as well as ointments or creams applied to the skin. There is also something called Suppositories
In addition, there are also eye drops, inhalers, and injections that are used under certain conditions. The wide variety of pharmaceutical dosage forms exists for a reason, they are tailored to patients’ needs, the way the drug works, and the desired site of action within the body.
However, not all conditions allow medicines to be taken orally or applied to the skin. In certain situations, such as when a patient has difficulty swallowing, experiences vomiting, requires a faster or more targeted drug effect, or for other specific reasons, alternative dosage forms are needed. Do you now about Suppositories?
One such alternative is suppositories, which are medicines administered by inserting them into the body through specific openings, such as the rectum (anus), vagina, or urethra. Suppositories are small, solid, bullet-shaped medications where they melt or dissolve at body temperature to release medication. Suppositories an effective alternative to oral medication for treating constipation, pain, infections, or hemorrhoids, ideal for patients who cannot swallow or are vomiting
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What Are Suppositories?
The term suppository comes from the Latin word supponere, which means “to replace” or “to insert.” In general, suppositories are solid dosage forms and usually have a rounded, bullet like shape to facilitate insertion into the body.
The base of the suppository is often made slightly larger to prevent it from easily coming out after insertion. On the market, generally available in standard sizes that are safe and comfortable to use, helping the medicine work effectively according to its intended purpose.
How Do Suppositories Work in the Body?
After insertion, suppositories react to body temperature. The base of the suppository is designed to melt, soften, or dissolve once inside the body. When this process occurs, the active ingredient is released and the medicine can begin to work.
In some cases, the drug works locally, meaning it acts directly at the site where the suppository is used. Examples include hemorrhoid suppositories containing pain relievers or anti inflammatory agents to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation around the anus. Similarly, vaginal containing antifungal agents work directly in the vaginal area to treat infections.
In other cases, the drug can be absorbed into the bloodstream and produce a systemic effect, meaning the active ingredient enters the blood vessels and affects the entire body. An example of a systemic suppository is paracetamol, which are used to reduce fever and relieve pain, especially in children or patients who have difficulty swallowing oral medications.
Through this mechanism, suppositories can serve as an effective alternative when oral administration is not possible.
Read also :
3 Facts : Skin Changes During Pregnancy and Considerations for the Use of Safe Active Ingredients
How to Use Suppositories
To ensure work properly, correct usage is very important. The medicine are used by inserting them into the body according to their type, most commonly through the anus (rectal use). Before use, wash your hands thoroughly.
Remove the medicine from its packaging, then position your body comfortably, such as lying on your side with one leg slightly bent. Gently insert into the anus with the pointed end first until it is fully inside.
After insertion, remain lying down for a few minutes to prevent from coming out and to allow it to work effectively. Wash your hands again afterward. This medicine should be used according to a doctor’s instructions or the directions provided on the packaging.
In pharmaceutical product development such as suppositories, every formulation detail plays a crucial role in market success. Without proper testing, the risk of inconsistent quality and performance increases.
Conduct testing with IML Testing and Research to ensure your product meets quality standards and gains consumer trust.
Author: Jihan
Editor: Alphi
References
Hua, S. (2019). Physiological and Pharmaceutical Considerations for Rectal Drug Formulations. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10, 1196.
Kumar, A., Kolay, A., & Havelikar, U. (2023). Modern Aspects of Suppositories: A Review. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Research.
