Learning outcomes: Define suppositories and describe uses. Classify types. Understand advantages & disadvantages. Explain bases & methods of preparation. Calculate displacement value. Evaluate suppositories.

1. Suppositories
Prepared by:
Mrs.Supriya S.Bhagwat
Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacuetics

2. Syllabus
• Definition,
• Types
• Advantages
• Disadvantages
• Bases
• Preparation
• Displacement Value
• Evaluation

3. Learning Objectives
• Define suppositories and describe uses.
• Classify types.
• Understand advantages & disadvantages.
• Explain bases & methods of preparation.
• Calculate displacement value.
• Evaluate suppositories.

4. Definition
• Suppositories are solid dosage forms inserted into body cavities
(rectum, vagina, urethra) where they melt or dissolve to give local or
systemic effects.

5. Ideal Properties
• Melt or dissolve at body temperature.
• Non-irritant and stable.
• Compatible with drugs.
• Easily moldable and stable.

6. Types (Based on Route)
• Rectal (1–2 g): Local/Systemic.
• Vaginal (3–5 g): Local antifungal/contraceptive.
• Urethral (1–4 g male, 0.5–2 g female): Local action.

7. Types (Based on Purpose)
• Local action: Laxatives, antifungal.
• Systemic action: Antiemetic, analgesic, antipyretic.

8. Advantages
• Useful for patients unable to swallow.
• Bypass first-pass metabolism.
• Reduced gastric irritation.
• Useful in vomiting.
• Local treatment possible.

9. Disadvantages
• Low patient acceptability.
• Variable absorption.
• May melt during storage.
• Possible irritation.

10. Suppository Bases
• 1. Fatty/Oleaginous: Cocoa butter, hydrogenated oils.
• 2. Water-soluble/miscible: PEG, glycerinated gelatin.
• 3. Miscellaneous: Combination bases.

11. Ideal Base Characteristics
• Melt/dissolve at body temp.
• Inert, non-toxic.
• Compatible with drug.
• Good release & mold release properties.

12. Methods of Preparation
• 1. Molding (Fusion) Method.
• 2. Compression Method.
• 3. Hand Rolling Method.

13. Molding (Fusion) Method
• Melt base → incorporate drug → pour into molds → cool & solidify
→ remove & wrap.
• Precaution: Avoid overheating cocoa butter.

14. Compression Method
• Drug + base compressed into molds.
• No heat needed.
• Good for heat-sensitive drugs.
• Uniform weight.

15. Hand Rolling Method
• Drug mixed in softened base → rolled → cut to length.
• Simple and cheap.
• Used for cocoa butter base.

16. Displacement Value (DV)
• Amount of base displaced by 1 part of drug.
• Formula: DV = (B - A) / (C - A)
• A=weight with drug,
• B=without,
• C=drug wt.
• Blank suppository = 2 g
• Medicated suppository = 2.2 g
• Drug = 0.4 g
• DV = (2 - 2.2)
• ---------------------
• (0.4 - 2.2)
= 0.11

17. Example Calculation
• Blank suppository = 2 g
• Medicated suppository = 2.2 g
• Drug = 0.4 g
• DV = (2-2.2)/(0.4-2.2) = 0.11

18. Evaluation Tests
• Appearance
• Weight variation
• Melting range
• Disintegration time
• Liquefaction time
• Content uniformity
• Drug release
• Hardness.

19. Storage & Packaging
• Store in cool, dry place.
• Wrap individually in foil.
• Protect from heat & light.

20. Applications
• Rectal: analgesics, antiemetics.
• Vaginal: antifungals, contraceptives.
• Urethral: antiseptics, anesthetics.

21. Summary
• Suppositories: solid dosage forms for insertion.
• Routes: rectal, vaginal, urethral.
• Bases: fatty, water-soluble, misc.
• Methods: molding, compression, rolling.
• Tests: DV, evaluation.

22. Thank You