Definition of Suppository

Solid or semi-solid dosage form

Intended for insertion into body orifices ( Rectum, Vagina, Urethra )

They melt, soften or dissolve in the body orifices and exert local or systemic effect.

Types of Suppositories ( According to Route of administration )

Rectal Suppository Urethral Suppository Vaginal Suppository

Advantages of Suppositories

Advantages

Avoid first-pass

metabolism

Disadvantages of Suppositories

Absorption of Drugs from Rectum

Proper Insertion of Suppository in Rectum

IDEAL SUPPOSITORY BASE• Melts at body temperature or dissolves in body

fluids.• Non-toxic and non-irritant.• Compatible with any medicament.• Releases any medicament readily.• Easily moulded and removed from the mould.• Stable to heating above the melting point.• Easy to handle.• Stable on storage.

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Suppository Bases

• Fatty BasesFatty Bases Theobroma oil

Synthetic Hard Fat

Water Soluble Bases

Glycero-gelatine Macrogols

Soap glycerin

Special Characteristics of Different Bases

Cocoa butter remains solid at room temperature but melts in the body.

Synthetic hard fat has good water absorbing capacity due to presence of w/o emulsifying agent .

Glycero-gelatin produce laxative effect.

Polyethylene glycols are present in different physical state. (solid, semisolid, liquid )

Preparation of Suppository

Hand Molding

Compression Molding

Pour Molding

Automatic Molding

Hand Molding

Compression Molding

Automatic Molding Machine

Base

• Theobroma oil

• Glycerol-gelatin base

Lubricant

• Soap spirit• liquid

paraffin

No lubricant required

• Synthetic fats

• Macrogols

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Lubricants for use with Suppository bases

Problems in Formulation of Suppositories

Problems in formulation

Water content

ViscosityDrug-

Excipient interaction

Lubrication of mould

BrittlenessRancidity

Packaging

Packaging and storage

• Polyethylene glycol suppositories stored at usual room temperature without the requirement of refrigeration.

Suppositories Available in Commercial Market

Antibiotic