Suppositories: How They Work, Types, Uses, and Dos and Don’ts
There are various ways medicines get into your body. You either swallow a capsule, get a jab, etc. Solid medications inserted into the body via the rectum, urethra, or vagina refer to as “Suppositories.”
How do suppositories work? Don’t administer suppositories orally; instead, put them in your body, particularly at your bottom. Once inserted, it dissolves and then releases its treatment. Also, stay for an hour before you can poop.
After what duration can you poop? It would be best if you observed for details on how suppositories work, types, uses, and dos and don’ts while using them.
3 Types of Suppositories and Their Usages
Rectal Suppositories
Rectal suppositories pass through the rectum or the anus. These are round or bullet-shaped in one end and are about an inch long. They’re available in different shapes with one end pointed/narrowed.
Rectal suppositories are multiple types, such as glycerin suppositories for constipation or acetaminophen for fever. They’re ideal for conditions like:
- Constipation
- Hemorrhoids
- Mental health problems such as bipolar, anxiety, or schizophrenia
- Pain
- Fever
- Nausea
- Motion sickness
- Allergies
Vaginal Suppositories
They are oval suppositories usually inserted into the vagina using an applicator to treat vaginal dryness and bacterial/ fungal infections. They offer targeted relief from vaginal-related effects. Thanks to their rapid absorption, they act swiftly.
Urethral Suppositories
They’re a grain size type of suppositories used by men to treat erection issues, and they enter the body through the urethra (the duct that empties your bladder)
How to Insert Rectal Suppositories?
As earlier said, these suppositories go into your bottom- Anus. Here are the steps to insert them:
Step 1: Preparation
Try and empty your colon as the medicine is effective on an empty bowel
Use warm water and soap to wash your hands thoroughly
Take your suppository and unwrap it
You can use gloves if you so wish
Step 2: Inserting the Suppository
Dip your suppository’s tip in water or apply a water-based lubricant like K-Y jelly for easy sliding into the rectum
Take off clothes from your lower part of the body.
Get the proper position- you can lie sideways comfortably with your upper leg bent to the stomach while the other is straight. Alternatively, you can stand with a single foot on a chair.
Step 3: Insert the Suppository
Relax, open your bottoms, and then cautiously insert the medicine with the narrowing end.
Softly push it roughly an inch inside your anus for grownups or half an inch for toddlers, and for older kids, thrust the suppository between half to 1 inch based on their size.
Step 4: Relax and Clean Up
Next, close your legs and remain still in the same position, or sit for 10 -15 minutes to allow the suppository to melt into the body.
Get rid of all the materials, plus any tissue paper and suppository covering.
Lastly, rewash your hands carefully with soap and warm water.
How long after Suppository Can You Poop?
After inserting the suppository, restrain yourself for an hour without pooping unless it is a laxative. That way, the medicine will get enough time to circulate into the bloodstream and start functioning.
Keep in mind that if you use the suppository, you shouldn’t go executing your daily duties as it requires you to sit or lie down until it kicks into action.
What Are The Dos and Don’ts When Using Suppositories?
Don’t use petroleum jelly like Vaseline to lubricate the suppository, as it prevents them from dissolving after inserting. Instead, use water or a water-based lubricant.
Keep the suppositories in a cool, dry place to prevent them from melting. Refrigerate if the label says so
Don’t poop for one hour unless the suppository is a laxative
Restrain from vigorous activities or lots of movements after administering the suppository for an hour
When inserting the suppository, trim your nails short to protect yourself from scratches and cuts. As a substitute, you can wear a glove
If the suppository comes out due to improper insertion, push it back by approximately 1 inch
If you find it challenging to administer the medicine, ask your caregiver or partner to help you.
Just like other drugs, avoid skipping the doses for an effective treatment.
It is always safe for those who have undergone surgery, abnormal heart, or radiation treatment to consult their doctor before using a suppository.
Who Can Use Rectal Suppository?
If you have prolonged constipation
If you are preparing for a bowel examination like a biopsy
Treatment for pain and itching due to hemorrhoids
Suitable for those who can’t swallow drugs orally like young kids and the aged
If you’re experiencing vomiting and thus unable to take anything orally
For a quicker action, such as in the case of high fever
How to Insert Vaginal Suppositories
It would be best to use them before bed to minimize the product that could occur while standing.
Ensure you wear a panty liner or pads to avoid soiling your linen with the discharge
You should complete the dosage prescribed even if the symptoms are apparent.
Follow these quick steps to insert the vaginal suppository:
Wash your vagina with soap and warm water, then dry using a clean towel
Unwrap the suppository from its packaging
Place it on the plastic applicator, but if you are using another method of application, then you can ignore this step.
Hold the applicator from the side that has no medicine
Lie on your back with knees bent, then gradually insert into the vagina
Press the plunger on the applicator to inject the suppository into the vagina
Pull out the applicator and clean for reuse
Dispose of the other materials
Clean your hands with soap and lukewarm water.
What Benefits Do Suppositories Have?
Suppositories have various advantages over other forms of medication, as follows.
Over Oral Drugs
- Very recommendable before surgery as oral therapy is not allowed
- Suitable for those patients with chronic vomiting
- It doesn’t trigger vomiting and nausea from gastric irritation, as in the case of oral drug use.
- They have a quicker, unlike oral drugs with prolonged action
- They have local area action with minimal systematic spreading
- They are superb in hemorrhoids
What are the Cons of Suppository?
- Mucosal irritation
- Unreliable and undesired absorption
- Mild irritation in the area where you put it
- Improper insertion exposes you to an invasive and inappropriate procedure that may be ineffective.
- First, pass absorption.
A suppository is one way to administer medicines. They are of different types and shapes and are for various purposes. Overall, while using them, it is advisable not to poop for at least an hour to allow the suppository to take effect. You have all the information regarding its use and administration. I hope the article is of help.
