Suppositories

Suppositories are a dosage form of medication and are designed to be inserted into body cavities. In medical terminology, suppositories are also called so-called suppository designated.

What are suppositories

To the body cavities that are often used for the introduction of Suppositories used include the rectum and vagina. Only in rare cases are suppositories also inserted into the urethra. The shapes of different suppositories depend on the part of the body where the suppositories are used.

If suppositories are to be inserted into the vagina, their shape is adapted accordingly. These suppositories are also known as vaginal suppositories or vaginal ovules. The sizes of suppositories that are used in children are usually reduced compared to the suppositories that are used in adults.

Application & use

Be in medicine Suppositories for example used in patients unable to take the medication in tablet form. This is the case, for example, with people who are unconscious or with people whose swallowing function is impaired. The fact that various orally taken drugs (for example in the form of tablets or juices) can lose their effectiveness when passing through the liver can also be avoided by administering medication by suppository in medicine.

The advantages of suppositories that are administered rectally (i.e. via the rectum) also lie in their frequent depot effect. Medicines that are not stomach-tolerated can also be administered using suppositories.

Furthermore, suppositories can be used for targeted local application, as is often the case, for example, in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Suppositories that are inserted rectally are also frequently used for diseases associated with vomiting. The corresponding active ingredients are absorbed very quickly through the intestinal mucosa. Painkillers are also occasionally administered through rectal suppositories for migraine headaches. In gynecology, suppositories are used to treat inflammatory diseases or as a form of contraception.

Herbal, natural & pharmaceutical suppositories

At Suppositorieswhich are based on pharmaceutical-chemical principles of action, a distinction can be made, for example, between a fat-containing and a water-soluble preparation form of the suppositories. The better known form of suppositories is the one that is based on a fatty preparation.Hard fat, which is used for corresponding suppositories, often has a melting range that is adapted to the human body temperature. The main component of the hard fats used is the so-called lauric acid.

Frequent components of vaginal suppositories at the pharmaceutical-chemical level are gelatine and glycerol. In naturopathy, too, the administration of suppositories is used for various diseases. For example, anti-inflammatory or pain reliever preparations such as glucocorticoids (such as cortisone) are administered in suppositories. Various suppositories contain purely herbal ingredients instead of synthetic or pharmaceutical-chemical active ingredients. Corresponding suppositories can be used, for example, to achieve a calming effect.

The suppository is also used in homeopathy as a form of administration for medication. For example, appropriate preparations for the treatment of hemorrhoidal problems are available in pharmacies. Different suppositories have different potentials of action. Ingredients of these suppositories are, for example, witch hazel leaves and extracts from horse chestnut bark. Before using suppositories on a homeopathic or pharmaceutical-chemical basis, it is advisable to consult with the attending physician.

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Risks & side effects

Potential health risks can arise from both the active ingredients and the additives contained in Suppositories are included. For example, some suppositories contain lactose, which is why these preparations are not suitable for people who are lactose intolerant.

Using homeopathic suppositories on your own can also pose risks; if the active ingredients are absorbed in too high a concentration, this can lead to intolerance or even damage to health.

Possible side effects of the active ingredients contained in suppositories are similar to the potential side effects that the respective active ingredients also have in other dosage forms. Particularly when suppositories are used in babies or small children, care should be taken to insert the suppositories carefully so that the mucous membranes of the respective body cavity are not injured.