Rectal Suppository 101: What It’s For and How to Use It
There may be leakage from the anus if the suppository melts and turns to liquid. For this reason, you might want to insert the suppository at night before going to bed unless your doctor suggests otherwise. Some suppositories are not clear and will stain your clothing, so make sure you aren’t wearing your best clothes. Don’t forget to keep the suppositories in a dark and cool location, but avoid the refrigerator unless directed. If you let the suppository get too hot, it will melt and will not easily insert into the rectum.
Suppositories for Constipation
Constipation is a common problem among those who choose to eat processed foods and low fiber foods, and also don’t drink enough water. Lack of activity, being pregnant, and taking medications, such as painkillers, can lead to a person not being able to have a regular bowel movement. Fortunately, there are suppositories for constipation that can ease the problem without resorting to harsh laxatives that can ruin the gut.
Suppositories for Constipation Overview
Suppository is a small glycerin-based tube that has medications imbedded into it. Suppositories can be divided into vaginal suppositories, rectal suppositories, and urethral suppositories. They have the capability of melting and releasing medications that act on the entire body or that act locally in the area where the suppository is inserted. Detailed information about various types of suppositories is list below:
- Vaginal suppositories. These can be used to deliver antibiotics to the vaginal area, to provide medications for female hygiene, as contraceptive agents, and to deliver medications that alter the environment of the vagina.
- Urethral suppositories. These are rarely used and often must be compounded by special compounding pharmacies.
- Rectal suppositories. These are primarily suppositories for constipation, although some suppositories can deliver acetaminophen, anti-emetics, and other types of medications. They are shaped like small bullets and are inserted into the anus. Most rectal suppositories are designed to dissolve at normal body temperatures, where the medication is released and absorbed into the rectal mucosa and the blood that supplies the rectum.
How Do Suppositories for Constipation Work?
Suppositories for constipation can contain laxative medication or can just be made of bullets of glycerin. The suppositories with laxative medication work by triggering the contraction of intestinal muscle. The glycerin suppositories work by:
- ŸLubrication. When the glycerin suppositories melt, they soften the stool for easier passage through the anus. When the stool is softer, the chances of getting hemorrhoids are less. The stool passes easily through the anus and the bowel usually evacuates along with the melted suppository material.
- ŸHydration. Sometimes the stool is very hard and cannot pass through the anus. The glycerin in the suppository will bring in water from the bowel so that the stool is more hydrated and less firm. This type of suppository is also helpful in causing the muscles of the rectum to contract better, so the bowel movement is more complete.
- ŸIrritation. Glycerin in the suppository irritates the lining of the rectum to make the contractions of rectum so that the softer stool can be easily evacuated.
How to Use Suppositories for Constipation
Before inserting the suppository, you need to thoroughly wash your hands with mild soap and water and dry them off. Remove the suppository from the wrapper (if any) and refrigerate it for a few minutes if it has become too soft to insert into the rectum. If just half the suppository is necessary, use a blade to cut the suppository in the middle, saving the other half for another use.
If you have a finger cot or disposable glove, put it on as you will be inserting part of your finger into the anus. Use a water-soluble lubricant and coat the suppository. Try not to use Vaseline because this will block the flow of medication from the suppository. If you don’t have a lubricant, use water to wet down the area around the anus. Lie down on your side with your lower leg straight and the upper leg bent. Insert the suppository into the rectum, making sure it gets past the anal sphincter and stays in. Hold your butt cheeks together for a minute so that the suppository is sucked up into the rectum. Stay on your side for about five minutes so you can guarantee that the suppository won’t slip out. Throw away the finger cot or disposable glove and wash your hands again.
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Note:
There may be leakage from the anus if the suppository melts and turns to liquid. For this reason, you might want to insert the suppository at night before going to bed unless your doctor suggests otherwise. Some suppositories are not clear and will stain your clothing, so make sure you aren’t wearing your best clothes. Don’t forget to keep the suppositories in a dark and cool location, but avoid the refrigerator unless directed. If you let the suppository get too hot, it will melt and will not easily insert into the rectum.
You can also learn the usage of suppositories from the video below:
How Effective Are the Suppositories for Constipation?
Just how effective a suppository is depends on what kind of medication is in the suppository. Those that contain a bowel stimulant besides glycerin will work faster than a suppository that just contains glycerin. Some suppositories do not contain any type of stimulant but contain only a lubricant. A lubricant suppository will make it simpler to expel the stool but won’t work if the stool is extremely hard. Those suppositories that contain a stimulant and a lubricant work the best and will both stimulate the muscles of the colon to contract and will lubricate the stool being expelled. Ask your doctor what type of suppository you should be using before going out and buying one.
When you use a suppository for relief of constipation, you will likely get a more prompt response than if you choose to use a laxative you take by mouth. It takes about twelve hours or more for an oral laxative to take effect, but it takes a rectal suppository only about an hour to give you relief. If you try taking an oral laxative and it doesn’t work very well, you can add a rectal suppository for constipation.
There are some side effects to using suppositories for constipation. Some of these include cramping of the abdomen, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In some cases, there can be rectal irritation from the suppository or nausea, depending on the medication imbedded in the suppository.
Rectal Suppository 101: What It’s For and How to Use It
Rectal suppositories are forms of medication that are inserted into the rectum. They come in different shapes and sizes but are usually narrowed at one end.
Rectal suppositories can deliver many types of medication. For instance, they may contain glycerin to treat constipation or acetaminophen to treat a fever.
Medication from a rectal suppository tends to work quickly. This is because the suppository melts inside the body and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
Learn more about the potential benefits and side effects of rectal suppositories, as well as a step-by-step guide on how to administer them.
Rectal suppositories are used for administering medications when you cannot do so orally. Such methods may be especially helpful for young children and older adults who cannot take medications by mouth, according to a 2021 review.
For example, fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen may be administered rectally if you cannot take the oral versions due to vomiting or other issues that might otherwise prevent you from swallowing liquids or tablets. Taking fever-reducing drugs rectally can also reduce possible adverse effects on the stomach and small intestine.
Aside from these medications, rectal suppositories have been historically used for the administration of substances including hemorrhoid treatments and laxatives. Other medications that may be administered via rectal suppository can include :
- hydrocortisone
- mesalazine for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- bisacodyl or glycerol for constipation
- promethazine or ondanestron for nausea and vomiting
- certain pain medications, such as ibuprofen or oxycodone
In some cases, medications may also be given rectally to individuals who may be unconscious, according to the same 2021 review.
Leakage of the medication, as well as personal pain and discomfort, are all possible side effects associated with rectal suppositories. Proper insertion and following post-administration instructions may help reduce these effects.
According to a 2019 review of research , certain health conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may also reduce the effectiveness of the drugs being administered rectally, and even increase the risk of pain. Talk with a doctor about any history of IBD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other GI conditions before using rectal suppositories.
Note that you shouldn’t administer acetaminophen both rectally and orally, as this can potentially lead to an overdose and subsequent liver damage.
You can use these instructions to use a rectal suppository by yourself. If you’re a parent or caregiver, you can also use these steps to give a suppository to a child or another adult. If you have trouble giving yourself a rectal suppository, ask a loved one to follow these steps to help you.
Share on Pinterest Illustration by Alexis Lira
What you’ll need
To insert a rectal suppository, you’ll first need soap and water or hand sanitizer to clean your hands. You may also need a clean, single-edge razor blade and lubricating jelly.
Before
- If possible, go to the bathroom and empty your bowels.
- Wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer instead. Dry your hands with a clean towel or a paper towel.
- Gently squeeze the suppository to check if it is firm enough to insert. If it’s not, let it harden by holding it under cold water while it’s still in the wrapper. You can also place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
- Remove your clothing to expose your buttocks.
- Remove any wrapping from the suppository. If you need to cut the suppository, carefully cut it lengthwise with a clean, single-edge razor blade.
- To moisten the tip of the suppository, apply a lubricating jelly such as K-Y Jelly. If you do not have lubricating jelly, apply a small amount of water to your rectal area.
During
- Get into position. You can either stand with one foot up on a chair, or you can lie down on your side with your top leg slightly bent toward your stomach and your bottom leg straight. If you’re giving the suppository to someone else, you may want to place them in this second position.
- Relax your buttocks to make it easier to insert the suppository.
- Insert the suppository into the rectum, narrow end first. Gently but firmly, push the suppository past the sphincter. The sphincter is the muscular opening of the rectum. For adults, push it in about 3 inches or far enough in so that it will not pop out. For children, depending on their size, push it in about 2 inches. And for smaller children or infants, push it in about a half-inch.
After
- Sit or lie with your legs closed for a few minutes. If you’re giving the suppository to a child, you may need to gently hold their buttocks closed during this time.
- Throw away all used material in a trash can.
- Wash your hands right away with soap and warm water.
Helpful tips
- Unless the suppository is a laxative, try not to empty your bowels for 1 hour after inserting the suppository. Also avoid exercise or lots of movement for 1 hour after inserting the suppository.
- Store the suppositories in a cool place to prevent melting. Keep them in the refrigerator if the medication label says to do so.
- You can use latex gloves or finger cots to protect your fingers while inserting the suppository. You can buy these at your local pharmacy.
- Consider trimming your fingernails to help prevent cuts and scratches while inserting the suppository.
- Avoid using petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to lubricate the suppository. It can keep the suppository from melting after it is inserted.
Overall, the recommended position for rectal suppository administration is on your side. This allows for easy access to the buttocks during self-administration but can also be easier for giving the suppository to someone else. For best results, lie on your left side and bend your knees toward your chest.
If the first position is not comfortable, or if you’re having difficulties inserting the suppository, you can also try kneeling face down with your hips lifted, and your head toward the floor.
You’ll know you have inserted the suppository far enough if the tip does not immediately come out. However, it’s also important to know the insertion depth limits, which can vary by age:
| Age Group | Suppository Insertion |
| Adults | About 3 inches |
| Children | 2 inches or less |
| Infants | ½ inch |
If the suppository comes out after you insert it, you may not have pushed it far enough into the rectum. Be sure to push the suppository past the sphincter , which is the muscular opening of the rectum.
These steps should make it easier to insert a rectal suppository. If you have questions or if you’re having trouble inserting a suppository, talk with a doctor or pharmacist. You should also talk with them if you have a history of GI conditions, or if you experience any side effects, such as ongoing pain and discomfort.
Rectal suppositories are alternatives to taking oral medications. This method may be preferable if you or your child cannot take medications by mouth.
Be sure to follow the instructions given for proper rectal suppository insertion. This will help ensure the medication is administered properly, and will also reduce the risk of pain and other side effects.
Talk with a doctor if you’re having issues with rectal suppositories, or if other questions and concerns arise.
Last medically reviewed on June 6, 2022
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