When you decide on the choice of medications, what do you consider first? Probably, the active component, the efficiency, and the duration of effects? What about the intake method, then? Most medications are designed for oral consumption. However, if you cannot swallow a pill, or if you need a local effect, what would you do? Suppositories are created specifically for these cases. Let’s consider the efficiency and convenience of suppositories, and learn more about their scope of application.
The Main Types of Medicinal Suppositories
Suppositories are medicated products that are intended to act locally on the administration area. Typically, they are made for rectal, vaginal, or sometimes, urethral use. Depending on their application area, all suppositories are divided into the following types.
- Rectal suppositories are often used for intestinal infection treatment, hemorrhoids treatment, or as an alternative to oral pain-killing medications.
- Vaginal suppositories, predictably, are used for vaginal infection treatment, gynecological issues treatment, or pre-labor support.
- Urethral suppositories are medications for the treatment of urogenital infections.
- Pediatric options are specific medications for children who cannot consume tablets, pills, or swallow syrups. Such medications have anti-inflammatory, fever-reducing, or calming effects.
Common Uses: When Suppositories Are the Most Effective?
Suppositories are often associated with the treatment of rectal infections only. Partially, it is true, because suppositories are still the most effective treatment method for hemorrhoids. However, they have a much wider scope of application.
- Constipation treatment with the help of suppositories is also popular. Vaseline-based suppositories for rectal administration help soften the stool and stimulate the intestine.
- Local urogenital medications are also often produced in the form of suppositories. They act directly on the affected area, providing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
- The moisturizing effects of some suppositories are great for menopause symptoms treatment, specifically, for vaginal dryness.
- Anti-fever and anti-inflammatory medications for patients who need fast relief and cannot swallow oral meds. Analgesic and NSAID suppositories are effective for fast temperature reduction and pain management.
Proper Use and Safety Tips
The specifics of suppositories are that they are made of soft, easily melting compounds. Therefore, their storage directions are strict enough. Suppositories should be stored at dry, cool places, at a temperature of no more than +25 C (+50 F). Besides, all suppositories should be unpacked directly before the administration.
As for their administration, please note that suppositories melt quickly under body temperature; therefore, after the insertion, you have to wait for some time until the medication absorbs. For rectal and vaginal insertion, the best pose is lying on the back or on the side. Relaxing makes administration easier, too.
In any case, when you decide on using suppositories, please consult your doctor, please. Besides, select only high-quality medications from reliable manufacturers and strictly adhere to the recommended dosage.
Bottom Line
Suppositories are great when you need gradual and long-lasting relief, and you cannot take the medication orally for some reason. They are diverse in their action, and are usually prescribed either as a local treatment (for vaginal infection or hemorrhoids treatment), or as a general pain relief. They are especially effective when it comes to children’s treatment (especially babies), treatment of patients who have swallowing difficulties, in cases when medication provides considerable side effects on the digestive tract, or when you need a targeted action in a localized area. If you adhere to proper dosage and safety rules, using suppositories will bring you the desired relief.
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