Medicinal substances can be delivered into the body in various forms, one of these forms being suppositories or suppositories intended for rectal administration. I must say that this form of administration of drugs to the body has been used by mankind since ancient times, for the first time rectal suppositories are mentioned in ancient Egyptian papyrus. At that time, suppositories were made from animal fats, honey, plant sap, and resins. Beginning in the mid-18th century, cocoa butter was used as the basis for candles. Today, for the manufacture of suppositories, a variety of substances are used that contribute to improving the digestibility of the drug.
The peculiarity of such a dosage form as rectal suppositories is that at room temperature they remain solid, and at body temperature they melt, turning into a liquid state. The hardness of the candle facilitates its administration, and in the molten state, medicinal substances are evenly distributed throughout the mucosa, providing both local and general therapeutic effects.
Rectal suppositories have many advantages over other dosage forms. For example, suppositories are recommended for emergency use, since the pharmacological effect on the body in the case of candles is much faster than when taking pills. Rectal suppositories are not inferior to injections in terms of speed of exposure, but their use does not require violating the integrity of the skin. In addition, most drugs administered rectally have a prolonged effect due to the fact that the drug substance is released gradually and evenly.
Another important advantage of using these dosage forms is that the use of suppositories eliminates the adverse effects of drugs on the digestive tract and liver.
Naturally, in order for the medicine to benefit the patient, you need to use it correctly, so we recall how to put candles rectally.
The algorithm for administering suppositories is simple, but errors should still be avoided. It should be noted that most drugs produced in the form of suppositories involve cold storage. Therefore, having acquired the drug, you need to place it on a shelf in the refrigerator door. This will not only help preserve the medicinal substances in the candle, but also facilitate its administration.
Before removing the suppository from the package, you need to thoroughly wash your hands and rinse them with cold water to keep your fingers cool. It is advisable to wear disposable gloves or use fingertips.
Now you need to take a comfortable pose. This may be a side pose with a bent upper leg or a standing position, leaning forward. We open the packaging of the candle (as a rule, suppositories are sealed in individual bags). We hold the candle in one hand, and the second - spread the buttocks. Now we introduce the candle into the anus so that it passes the sphincter and is in the ampoule of the rectum. All this must be done carefully, but quickly so that the suppository does not have time to melt from the warmth of the hands.
It is very important, before inserting candles rectally, to achieve muscle relaxation. In no case should you enter the drug, pushing it with force, such actions can damage the mucous membrane. To make it easier for yourself, you can lubricate the tip of the candle with petroleum jelly or baby cream.
After the introduction of the suppository, you need to lie down at least for half an hour so that the drug substance can be absorbed. The best option is the introduction of candles before bedtime, after going to the toilet and the necessary hygiene procedures. During a night's sleep, the medicine will have time to fully absorb.
But even if the candle was used before bedtime, in the morning slight leakage is not excluded. Do not worry that the medicine has not been absorbed into the mucous membrane, just from the suppository there remains the base in which the active substance was dissolved. As a rule, today, various fats, paraffins and oils are used as a base. These substances are not absorbed by the rectal mucosa one hundred percent and that is why their release to the outside is possible. To eliminate the discomfort caused by leakage during the use of rectal suppositories, it is recommended to use disposable thin pads.