This document defines suppositories as cone-shaped solids or semi-solids intended for insertion into body orifices like the rectum, vagina, or urethra. Suppositories melt or dissolve in the body, releasing medication locally or systemically. Ideal suppository bases melt at body temperature, are non-toxic, compatible with medications, and release the drug readily while being easy to handle and stable over time. The document discusses rectal, urethral, and vaginal suppositories and the advantages of avoiding first-pass metabolism. It provides steps for properly administering a rectal suppository including positioning, lubricating, gently inserting the suppository, and post-procedure care.

2. DEFINITION OF SUPPOSITORY
Cone shaped solid or semi-solid
form
Intended for insertion into body orifices
( Rectum, Vagina, Urethra )
They melt, soften or dissolve in the body
orifices and exert local or systemic effect

3. Suppository Bases
• Fatty Bases
Fatty Bases
Theobroma oil
Synthetic Hard
Fat
Water Soluble Bases
Glycero-gelatine
Macrogols
Soap
glycerin

4. IDEAL SUPPOSITORY BASE
• Melts at body temperature or dissolves in body
fluids.
• Non-toxic and non-irritant.
• Compatible with any medicament.
• Releases any medicament readily.
• Easily moulded and removed from the mould.
• Stable to heating above the melting point.
• Easy to handle.
• Stable on storage.
4

5. Types of Suppositories
( According to Route of administration )
Rectal Suppository Urethral Suppository Vaginal
Suppository

6. Advantages of Suppositories
Advantages
Avoid first-
pass
metabolism

7. Disadvantages of Suppositories

19. PRE PROCEDURE
• Greet and explain procedure to the patient

20. PRE PROCEDURE
• Provide privacy and perform hand hygiene

21. PRE PROCEDURE
• Wear disposable gloves

22. PRE PROCEDURE
• Place hygeine sheet / incopad under buttock
& position patient in left lateral or dorsal

23. PROCEDURE
• Cover with a sheet or a blanket & expose
only when required
POSITION TO LEFT LATERAL

25. PROCEDURE
• Lubricate suppository

26. PROCEDURE
• Insert suppository using index / 5th finger
gently not more than 1cm into the rectum

27. ABSORPTION OF DRUGS FROM
RECTUM

28. INSERTION OF SUPPOSITORY IN
RECTUM

29. POST PROCEDURE
• For infant / child, hold buttock

30. POST PROCEDURE
• Tidy & make patient comfortable

31. POST PROCEDURE
• Documentation