Suppositories are solid medications that are inserted into the body. Different types of suppositories can be inserted into the rectum, vagina, or urethra (the tube where urine leaves your body). Some suppositories work locally where they’re inserted, while others are absorbed into the bloodstream to work systemically (all over your body).
Suppositories are sometimes the fastest and most effective way to administer a drug for a particular condition, such as constipation. Other times, a suppository can be an alternative for people who cannot swallow medications. Many suppositories are available over-the-counter (OTC), while some can only be obtained with a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Suppositories contain an active ingredient (what makes a drug work) as well as a fatty base, such as cocoa butter or hydrogenated oil. This keeps the drug in solid form at room temperature but allows it to melt or dissolve once it’s inserted into your body. There are different kinds of suppositories made to go into the rectum, vagina, or urethra.
Rectal Suppositories
Rectal suppositories are the most common type. They’re inserted into the rectum (the last part of the digestive tract where poop leaves the body) and are typically about 1-inch long. Many kinds of drugs are available as rectal suppositories, and they can be used to treat conditions.
Some drugs are taken in the form of a rectal suppository so the drug can help treat a condition directly affecting the rectum. Suppositories may aid in treating constipation, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Rectal suppositories may also be taken to manage symptoms or conditions affecting other areas of the body. Drugs administered with a rectal suppository may help with:
- Pain
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Migraine
- Motion sickness
- Allergies
Vaginal Suppositories
Vaginal suppositories are inserted into the vagina. They are used for:
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal infections
- Contraception (birth control)
Urethral Suppositories
A urethral suppository called MUSE (alprostadil) can be used to treat erectile dysfunction. The suppository is inserted into the urethra through an applicator. The medication is then absorbed in the penis to create an erection.
Suppositories deliver drugs directly into the body. Whether they’re inserted into the rectum, vagina, or urethra, suppositories come in solid form and dissolve once inside the body to release the medication.
Some suppositories will act locally wherever they’re applied, while others will be absorbed into the bloodstream to work systemically. In some cases, suppositories can more effectively treat a condition than oral drugs (drugs taken by mouth).
You may also need to use a suppository if:
- You cannot swallow medications by mouth
- You are vomiting and cannot keep anything down
- The medication irritates your stomach
- The medication is easily broken down in the stomach, which prevents it from working
Many suppositories are available OTC, such as Dulcolax (bisacodyl) and Monistat (miconazole). However, some are only available with a prescription from a healthcare provider, including Terazol (terconazole), Canasa (mesalamine), and Compro (prochlorperazine).
The healthcare provider that would prescribe a suppository will depend on which medication you’re looking to take. For example, a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in gut problems) may prescribe Canasa for ulcerative proctitis, while a gynecologist (a doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system) can determine if Terazol is appropriate for your yeast infection.
The time it takes a suppository to work depends on the particular drug you’re taking through the suppository, but in most cases, they work fairly quickly. For example, a Dulcolax rectal suppository for constipation can start to work within 15-60 minutes.
Each type of suppository is used differently.
How To Use Rectal Suppositories
Rectal suppositories are inserted into the rectum. How often you’ll use a rectal suppository depends on which drug you’re using through the suppository and the particular condition you’re treating.
For example, Compro (prochlorperazine) suppositories—which are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for severe nausea and vomiting in adults—should be used twice per day. In comparison, if your child is taking Feverall (acetaminophen) suppositories for pain or fever, the recommended dosage is one suppository every four to six hours, with no more than five doses in 24 hours.
To use a rectal suppository:
- Try to empty your colon by making a bowel movement prior to inserting the medication.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Dry your hands with a clean towel.
- Remove the suppository from its wrapper.
- To help the suppository slide in more easily, rub a small amount of water-based lubricant on the tip or dip it in water.
- Find a comfortable position. You can stand with one foot propped up on a chair or lie down on your side with your top leg bent towards your stomach.
- Gently spread your buttocks open.
- Carefully insert the tapered end of the suppository about one inch into the anus for adults or a half inch for infants.
- Remain lying down for the time recommended by the drug label or your healthcare provider. This time may vary depending on the drug you’re taking. For example, it’s recommended to lie down for five minutes after inserting an acetaminophen suppository.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
How To Use Vaginal Suppositories
Vaginal suppositories may be used for infections, vaginal dryness, or forms of birth control. Medications in vaginal suppositories are absorbed quickly, and many come with special applicators that help you insert the suppository into the vagina.
Like rectal suppositories, the amount of time you’ll use one will depend on the specific medication you’re taking. As an example, Terazol suppositories, which are used to treat vaginal yeast infections, are used once per day at bedtime for three or seven days.
To use a vaginal suppository:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
- Remove the vaginal suppository from the wrapper.
- Carefully place the suppository into the provided applicator.
- Get into a comfortable position. You may either lie on your back with both knees bent toward your stomach or stand with your knees bent and feet apart.
- Gently insert the applicator into your vagina as far as it will comfortably go.
- Press the plunger on the applicator to push the suppository into your vagina.
- Remove the applicator from the vagina.
- Lie down for the time specified by your healthcare provider or on the drug facts label.
- Throw away the applicator.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
How To Use Urethral Suppositories
In rare cases, healthcare providers prescribe urethral suppositories for erectile dysfunction. These suppositories are very small and about the same size as a grain of rice.
To use a urethral suppository:
- Try to empty your bladder before using the medication.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry your hands with a clean towel.
- Remove the applicator from the wrapper and remove its cover.
- Gently stretch your penis to its full length to open the urethra.
- Push the applicator into the hole at the tip of your penis.
- Push the button on the top of the applicator and hold for five seconds.
- Carefully move the applicator from side to side. This ensures the suppository has gone into the urethra.
- Slowly pull out the applicator while keeping your penis upright.
- Hold your penis upright, stretch it to its full length, and then roll it firmly between your hands for 10-15 seconds.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
Suppositories are generally safe to use, but certain issues can arise. For example, you may experience leakage while the suppository dissolves in your body. The suppository may also irritate the area where it is inserted. If the irritation is severe or not going away, contact a healthcare provider.
Specific side effects depend on the medication you’re taking in the suppository and the type of suppository you’re using. For instance, adverse effects of Anusol HC (hydrocortisone acetate) rectal suppositories may include burning, itching, and dryness while Terazol vaginal suppositories can cause headache, pain in your reproductive organs, and fever.
While suppositories can be used to treat many different conditions, they aren’t right for everyone. Every medication has its own recommendations regarding who shouldn’t use it. For example, acetaminophen suppositories shouldn’t be used if you’re allergic to acetaminophen. Meanwhile, Compro shouldn’t be used in children younger than 2 years or under 20 pounds, in children having surgery, if you’re in a coma, or if you’re taking large amounts of substances that cause drowsiness.
Because each medication comes with its own risks, such as drug interactions, or warnings for people with certain medical conditions, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your healthcare provider.
It’s also important that you store suppositories properly to keep them intact. While storage recommendations for each suppository may differ slightly, most should be stored in the closed container that it came in, at room temperature, and away from areas with excess heat or moisture.
Although suppositories are generally well-tolerated, it’s a good idea to reach out to your healthcare provider if you develop any side effects that aren’t going away or are worsening. Side effects will depend on which medication you’re taking in the suppository.
You should also contact your healthcare provider if you have worsening or unresolved symptoms of the condition you’re treating, as this may prompt further evaluation of your condition.
Like all medications, suppositories can cause serious allergic reactions. Signs and symptoms of serious allergic reactions can include difficulty breathing, hives, nausea, chest pain, and itching. While your symptoms can start out mild, they can progress quickly and become life-threatening. If you experience trouble breathing or chest pain, call 911 or your local emergency number right away or visit your local emergency room.
Suppositories are solid formations containing medications that are inserted into the rectum, vagina, or urethra. Once in the body, the suppository melts, and the medication is delivered to the area. Suppositories can be used to treat various conditions, including vaginal infections, constipation, hemorrhoids, and erectile dysfunction. Some are sold over the counter, and others are only available with a prescription.
Each suppository type is administered differently, and how often you’ll use it depends on the specific medication you’re taking in the suppository. In general, suppositories are well-tolerated, but you can experience leakage or irritation in the area where the suppository is inserted.
Because each medication has its own risks, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about your medical history and current medications before you use a suppository.
