Suppositories: Everything that you need to know

A few of the most common ways to consume drugs are oral but, sometimes there are medicines we cannot swallow or, sometimes, it would break down way too quickly in the digestive tract if we take it as a pill or in liquid form. In such cases, suppositories come into play. They may not be the most pleasant method of taking a drug but is considered one of the best alternatives to oral therapies.

Suppositories are small, oval, or bullet-shaped medications that enter our body through the rectum, urethra, or vagina. Substances like cocoa butter or glycerinated gelatin surround the drug as it melts due to the warmth of our body and releases its medication. Suppositories may treat the local region or, medicine travels through the blood to other parts of our body.

Suppositories come in use when a person

• is having trouble swallowing medicines
• is having seizures or cannot take medicine by mouth
• is vomiting and cannot take any liquids or pills

While some people also take suppositories because of the bad taste of medication or because it would break down too quickly in the digestive tract.

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Types of suppositories

Suppositories are of three different types. Rectal suppositories that are about an inch long go into the rectum or anus and treat various conditions like constipation, allergies, nausea, mental health conditions, fever, hemorrhoids. Vaginal suppositories come in an oval shape that goes into the vagina and treat for vaginal dryness, bacterial or fungal infections, and birth control. Urethral suppositories are the size of a grain of rice and are used in rare cases to deliver a drug called alprostadil to treat erection problems in men.

Necessary guidance and tips for using suppositories

• Use the washroom to empty the colon, bladder first.
• Before and after using suppositories, wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or if desired, use a disposable glove. Dry the hands using a clean towel.
• Remove the suppository from its wrapper.
• If using vaginal or urethral suppositories, place the suppository on the applicator carefully.
• Use a clean, single blade razor to cut the slice lengthwise, if necessary.
• To avoid a mess from leaking out, use an incontinence pad or sanitary towel.
• Get in a comfortable position to insert suppositories and try to stay still for 15 minutes after inserting to let it dissolve.
• Avoid exercises and robust movements for at least an hour after using.
• Follow the storage directions as written on the label.
• Use water or water-based lubricants only. Do not use a petroleum jelly-like Vaseline to lubricate the area.
• Do not miss the medicine doses as it will lower the effectiveness level of treatment.
• Don’t use suppositories more than once daily unless otherwise directed by the doctor.

Suppositories are usually safe to use. But people should talk to their doctor for advice if they:

• are facing any difficulties or irritation persists around the area.
• recently had vaginal treatment, rectal surgery, prostate surgery.
• are in the menstruation period, pregnant, breastfeeding.

In the starting first few weeks of pregnancy, the woman should avoid using suppositories. Though, a woman breastfeeding can use them. Too much use of suppositories can result in a loss of normal bowel function and an inability to move the bowel without using the medicine. Hence, one should consult the doctor before using suppositories and take information regarding its correct dosage according to one’s condition.

In conclusion, after doing so much research on suppositories and its uses, I think it’s helpful and the best alternative for people who can’t take medicines by their mouths. Suppositories melt, dissolve or disperse readily at body temperature, that is the drug is available soon after insertion. These medicaments provide local relief or are absorbed in the blood and provide systematic results. I consider it safe and easy to use to help control symptoms as it is inserted naturally inside our body with our fingers or with the aid of an applicator and doesn’t require any surgery. There may be some uncommon side effects but are mild. And yes, consult your doctor before taking any medicine is always recommended.