Buzz
Suppositories are used to treat a variety of health issues, such as those that relieve constipation or treat hemorrhoids. If you’ve never used a suppository before, the process might seem intimidating. However, with the right preparation, inserting the suppository into the rectum is quick and straightforward.
Steps
Prepare the Suppository
Consult a Doctor. While you can purchase this medication directly from the pharmacy without a prescription, it’s always best to consult a doctor before trying any new medication.
- This is especially important if you’ve been dealing with constipation for an extended period and have attempted home remedies with suppositories. Long-term use of laxatives is not recommended.
- You should also seek advice from a doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, currently taking other medications, or plan to use the suppository for a child.
- Be sure to inform the doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, or have had any allergies to laxatives in the past.
Clean your hands thoroughly with water and soap. Pathogens and various types of bacteria can infiltrate your immune system through the rectum if the opportunity arises. For this reason, you should wash your hands even when wearing gloves while administering the medication.
- If you have long nails, trim them short to avoid scratching or causing injury to the rectal walls.
Carefully read the instructions. There are numerous types of laxatives available, each with different usage instructions and dosages. The potency of the medication will determine how many pills you need to insert.
- Follow the instructions on the packaging and never exceed the recommended dosage.
- If you are using a prescription laxative, make sure to follow the doctor's prescribed instructions.
- If you do not need the full dose, consider cutting the pill in half lengthwise. The pill will be easier to insert if cut along its length.
Wear gloves or disposable finger cots. You may choose to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands during the insertion process. Although not necessary, wearing gloves can make you feel safer, especially if you have long nails.
Firm the pill if it's too soft. If the pill is too soft, it may cause discomfort during insertion. Therefore, it is best to firm the pill up before use. There are various ways to harden the pill before removing the casing:
- Place the pill in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Hold the pill under cold running water for several minutes.
Lubricate the area around the anus with an oil-based gel (optional). You might want to lubricate the skin around the anus to make the insertion of the medication easier. In that case, you can use an oil-based gel, cream, or ointment recommended by your doctor.
Insert Medication
Lie on your side. To insert the medication, it is recommended to lie on your left side and pull your right leg up toward your chest.
- You can also insert the medication while standing. In this case, spread your legs apart and slightly bend your knees.
- Another option is to lie on your back and raise both legs in the air (similar to a baby being changed).
Insert the medication into the rectum. To make insertion easier, lift your upper buttocks to expose the rectum and insert the medication vertically. For adults, use your index finger to push the pill in, while for children, use the pinky finger.
- For adults, push the pill at least 2.5 cm deep into the rectum.
- For children, insert the pill 1.2 to 2.5 cm into the rectum.
- Ensure the medication passes through the anal sphincter. If the pill is not pushed past this point, it may pop out later rather than being absorbed by the body.
Squeeze your buttocks together for a few seconds after insertion. This helps to keep the pill in place and prevents it from falling out.
- It is advisable to stay lying down for several minutes afterward.
Wait for the medication to take effect. Depending on the type of suppository, the time it takes for the medication to absorb into the body can range from 15 to 60 minutes, after which you may experience stomach discomfort or the urge to have a bowel movement.
Remove gloves and wash hands thoroughly. Use water and soap, and remember to scrub the soap on your hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
Insert the medication into the patient's rectum.
Position the patient on their side. There are several lying positions for inserting the medication, and the easiest is to lie on one side with the knees bent towards the chest.
Prepare to insert the medication. Hold the medication with one hand, using your thumb and index finger. Use your other hand to lift or pull the patient's buttocks to expose the rectum.
Insert the medication. Use your index finger for adults or your little finger for children to gently insert the rounded end of the medication into the rectum.
- For adults, insert the medication at least 2.5 cm deep into the rectum.
- For children, insert the medication at least 1 to 2.5 cm deep into the rectum.
- If the medication is not inserted deep enough (past the sphincter), it may be pushed out of the rectum.
Press the patient's buttocks together for about 10 minutes. To ensure the medication does not slip out, gently press the patient's buttocks together. Their body heat will cause the medication to dissolve and take effect.
Remove gloves and wash hands thoroughly. Use warm or hot water with soap. Make sure to rub your hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing with clean water.
Advice
- You should insert the medication into the rectum as quickly as possible. Leaving it outside too long will cause it to melt in your hands.
- If the medication slips out again, it means you did not insert it deeply enough.
- Ensure that the child remains still while you are inserting the medication.
- You can also insert the medication while standing. In this case, stand with your legs spread apart and squat slightly. Then, use your finger to push the medication into the rectum.
Warning
- Remember to wash your hands thoroughly both before and after inserting the medication, as feces can contain bacteria that may cause illness.
