What is a suppository?

A suppository is defined as a cone-shaped solid medication that is designed to be inserted into a body opening, typically the rectum, vagina, or urethra. Once inserted, it dissolves or melts at body temperature, allowing the medication to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream or act locally at the site of insertion. This method is often used for patients who may have difficulty swallowing pills, experience nausea, or require localized treatment for conditions such as hemorrhoids or vaginal infections.

The effectiveness of suppositories can be advantageous in situations where other routes of administration would be less appropriate or less effective. For example, medications delivered rectally can bypass the digestive system and first-pass metabolism in the liver, potentially providing quicker relief.

This understanding of the suppository's form and administration emphasizes its unique role in pharmacotherapy compared to other routes, such as oral or injectable medications, which involve different mechanisms of action and absorption processes.