How do suppositories work? Uses, instructions, and pictures (original) (raw)

Suppositories are solid medications that enter the body through the rectum, vagina, or urethra.

Doctors recommend the different forms of suppositories for different medical conditions and purposes. People place some in the rectum and others in the vagina. Less commonly, a person will need to use urethral suppositories.

We give step-by-step guidance on how to use suppositories in this article.

We also provide some helpful troubleshooting tips and advice for people who need to use this type of medication.

Suppositories are another way to deliver drugs to the body when other routes, such as oral, cannot be used.

A suppository is small and may be round, oval, or cone-shaped. A substance, such as cocoa butter or gelatin, surrounds the medication. The suppository dissolves to release the drug once inside the body.

Suppositories may treat the local area, or the medicine may travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.

Why use suppositories?

Suppositories deliver many types of medication, and a person may need to use them if they:

are having seizures and cannot take medicines by mouth
are unable to swallow medication for any reason
are vomiting and cannot keep pills or liquids down
have a blockage that stops the medication moving through the digestive system

People may also take suppositories if the medication:

tastes too bad to take by mouth
would break down too quickly in the gut
could be destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract

Research also suggests that taking medications through the rectum allows for a relatively constant environment for a drug to be delivered. The rate of absorption may, however, be lower than that of drugs taken by mouth.

There are three types of suppositories:

Rectal suppositories

Rectal suppositories go in the rectum or anus. They are typically an inch long and have a rounded tip.

They treat conditions, such as:

constipation
fever
hemorrhoids
mental health issues such as anxiety, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder
nausea, including motion sickness
pain

Vaginal suppositories

People may insert vaginal suppositories into the vagina to treat:

bacterial or fungal infections
vaginal dryness

Vaginal suppositories are typically oval and come with an applicator.

Urethral suppositories

Men may use a type of urethral suppository to treat erection problems in rare cases.

These suppositories are the size of a grain of rice and deliver a drug called alprostadil.

Anyone using a rectal suppository may want to refer to the following steps for guidance:

1. Get prepared

Try to pass stool to empty the colon, as suppository medication is most effective when the bowel is empty.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use a hand sanitizer. Dry the hands thoroughly on a clean towel or paper towel.
Carefully remove the suppository from its wrapper.
If it is necessary to cut the suppository, use a clean, single-edge razor blade to slice it lengthwise.
Use a disposable glove, if desired.

2. Get ready to insert the suppository

Dip the tip of the suppository in water, or apply a small amount of water-based lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly that is available to buy online. A lubricant helps the suppository more easily slide into the rectum.
Remove clothing from the lower half of the body.
Find the correct position. Either stand up with one foot on a chair or lie down on one side with the top leg bent slightly toward the stomach. Caregivers giving the suppository to another person often find it easier if the person is lying down.

3. Insert the suppository

Relax the muscles of the buttocks and open the cheeks.
Gently insert the suppository into the anus, narrow end first.
Push it in about 1 inch for adults, or half an inch for infants.
In older children, push the suppository in approximately half to one inch, depending on their size.

4. Relax and clean up

Sit or lie still for 10 minutes after inserting the suppository. Staying still allows time for the suppository to dissolve in the body. Parents may need to hold a child’s buttocks closed during this time.
Dispose of all materials, including the suppository wrapper and any tissue paper.
Wash the hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Try to avoid passing stool for up to 60 minutes after inserting the suppository, unless it is a laxative. Not passing stool gives the medication enough time to enter the bloodstream and start working.

To place a suppository into the vagina, follow these tips:

1. Get prepared

Wash hands with soap and warm water, or use a hand sanitizer if these are not available. Dry the hands well on a clean towel or paper towel.
Unwrap the suppository, and place it in the accompanying applicator.
Either stand with the knees bent and feet apart or lie down with the knees bent toward the chest.

2. Insert the suppository

Place the applicator into the vagina, as far as possible, without causing discomfort.
Press down on the plunger to push in the suppository.
Remove the applicator from the vagina, and dispose of it.

3. Relax and clean up

Lie down for 10 minutes to allow the medicine to enter the body.
Wash the hands once more with soap and warm water.

Consider using a sanitary towel for a few hours, as some of the suppository may leak out onto the underwear.

To place a suppository into the urethra try the following tips:

1. Get prepared

Empty the bladder.
Wash the hands with soap and warm water or use a hand sanitizer. Dry the hands thoroughly on a clean towel or paper towel.
Remove the applicator cover.

2. Insert the suppository

Stretch out the penis to open the urethra.
Place the applicator into the hole at the tip.
Push the button on the applicator and hold for 5 seconds.
Gently move the applicator from side to side to ensure the suppository has entered the urethra.
Remove the applicator.

3. Relax and clean up

Massage the stretched penis firmly for 10 to 15 seconds to allow the medicine to be absorbed.
Dispose of the applicator and any other materials.
Wash the hands once more with soap and warm water.

Suppositories are usually safe to use. Sometimes, some of the medication may leak out. To avoid a mess, people may want to wear a sanitary towel or incontinence pad.

Some people may experience irritation around the area where they inserted the suppository. If this is severe or persists, they should see a doctor.

Occasionally, the body may not absorb the medication delivered by a suppository as well as it does oral medications.

The following tips may help people who need to use suppositories:

Avoid exercise or vigorous movement for 60 minutes after inserting the medication.
Do not use petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to lubricate the suppository. This stops it from melting. Only use water, or a water-based lubricant.
Store suppositories in the refrigerator or another cool place, so they do not melt. Always follow the storage directions on the label.
A soft suppository can be difficult to insert. Gently squeeze it to see if it is firm enough. If not, harden the wrapped suppository by holding it under a flow of cold water. Or, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
Trim fingernails before inserting suppositories. This prevents cuts and scrapes. Alternatively, wear a latex glove.
Some people may notice the suppository falls out. This can occur because they have not pushed it far enough into the rectum. Push the medication in about 1 inch.
Those who struggle to use suppositories should consider asking a partner or caregiver for help.
As with other medicines, avoid missing doses. Missed doses may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

Suppositories are helpful for people who cannot take medications by mouth.

People who have difficulty using suppositories should ask their doctor for advice. They should also talk to their doctor before using suppositories if they:

have had recent rectal surgery, prostate surgery, or vaginal treatment
have an irregular heartbeat

Although they may be unpleasant to use, rectal, vaginal, and urethral suppositories can be an effective way of delivering medication.