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Location of action
Once inserted, the suppository base melts, softens, or dissolves depending on the type of base
releasing its medicament to the tissue of the region.

Figure 2. Mode of drug release from suppositories.
These medicaments may be intended for local or systemic action.
Local action suppositories
Rectal suppositories are most frequently used to:

❖ Relieve constipation, pain or irritation itching, and inflammation associated with
hemorrhoids.
They contain local anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, astringents, analgesics, or emollients.

❖ Gelatoglycerin suppositories promote laxation by local irritation of the mucous membranes
by dehydrating effect of the glycerin on the membrane.

Vaginal suppositories are employed as contraceptives, and antiseptic and antifungal.
Urethral suppositories contain antibacterial or local anesthetic preparative for urethral examination.
Systemic action suppositories
Rectum is used as a site for the systemic absorption of drugs rather than the vagina.
Examples of drugs used:

• Chlorpromazine for treatment of nausea.
• Ergotamine for treatment of migraine.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory as; analgesic and antipyretic, antiasthmatic, tranquilizers.

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