Lec 12- Suppositories

Question 1

Suppositories

Answer 1

Solid dosage form for insertion into rectum where they melt or soften to allow active ingredient (s) to exert local or systemic effects

Question 2

Pessaries

Answer 2

Vaginal administration - usually for local effect

Question 3

Advantages of rectal administration

Answer 3

1. Not exposed to degradation by gastric acid
2. No direct irritation to stomach
3. First pass metabolism is avoided
4. For patients who cannot swallow or are vomiting

Question 4

Ideal suppository base

Answer 4

1. Melt at just below body temperature
2. Solidify quickly after melting
3. Be easy to mould and remove from mould
4. Be chemically stable even when molten
5. Release the active ingredient readily
6. Be easy to handle
7. Be non-toxic and non-irritant

Question 5

2 examples of fatty bases

Answer 5

1. Natural Theobroma Oil

2. Synthetic Novata B

Question 6

2 examples of water soluble and water-miscible bases

Answer 6

1. Gelatin bases

2. Macrogols

Question 7

Displacement value

Answer 7

Number of parts, by weight of drug which displaces one part by weight of base

Question 8

How to make suppositories

Answer 8

1. Grate base, only to give accurate weight
2. Over water bath, heat until 2/3 melted
3. Place insoluble powders on tile
4. Add half of the molten mixture
5. Mix with spatula, then return to heat to re-melt if necessary
6. Remove from heat, stir until almost set
7. Overfill the moulds (contracts on cooling)
8. Scrape off excess when set towards you with a warmed spatula so don’t chip suppositories
9. Unscrew, tap gently on bench to open

Question 9

Packaging of suppository

Answer 9

Wrap individually in foil

Pack into cardboard skillet and label

Question 10

Labelling of suppository

Answer 10

For rectal use only, do not swallow
Store in a cool dry place
Expiry: one month
Patient advice: unwrap and insert into rectum