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A suppository is a solid medicine form placed into the rectum, vagina, or urethra. It softens, melts, or dissolves after insertion and releases medicine into the nearby tissue. Some suppositories work locally, while others can be absorbed into the bloodstream. They should not be swallowed.
read more about suppository ...A suppository is shaped so it can be inserted into a specific body opening. After insertion, body warmth helps the base soften or dissolve. The medicine can then act on the local area or pass through nearby tissue into circulation. The effect depends on the medicine, dose, route, and reason for use.
Suppositories are used when medicine needs to act in the rectum, vagina, or urethra, or when swallowing medicine is difficult. Rectal suppositories can treat constipation, hemorrhoid symptoms, nausea, fever, or certain inflammatory bowel conditions. Vaginal suppositories can treat some infections or dryness-related symptoms. Urethral suppositories are used for selected urologic conditions under medical guidance.
Rectal suppositories are placed into the rectum and are common for constipation or local rectal symptoms. Vaginal suppositories are placed into the vagina and can be used for infections, hormone therapy, or moisture support depending on the product. Urethral suppositories are inserted into the urethra and are less common. Each type has its own directions, so patients should follow the label or prescription instructions closely.
Wash your hands before and after using a suppository. If the product is too soft, the label might recommend chilling it briefly before removing the wrapper. Do not cut, split, or reuse a suppository unless the prescriber or label directs it. Seek medical care for rectal bleeding, severe pain, fever, allergic symptoms, or symptoms that do not improve.
No, suppositories are not swallowed. They are inserted into the rectum, vagina, or urethra depending on the product.
Timing depends on the medicine and route. Some rectal laxative suppositories can work within minutes, while other suppositories work over a longer period.
Yes, some suppositories can soften if stored in heat. Follow the storage directions on the package and ask a pharmacist if the product changes shape or texture.
Yes, irritation, burning, leakage, or discomfort can happen. Strong pain, bleeding, swelling, or allergic symptoms should be checked promptly.
Suppositories: What Are They, How Do They Work, Types. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/suppositories. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Bisacodyl Rectal: MedlinePlus Drug Information. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a611051.html. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Glycerin Rectal Suppositories. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/23729-glycerin-rectal-suppositories. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Miconazole Vaginal Suppository. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21009-miconazole-vaginal-suppository. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Alprostadil Urogenital: MedlinePlus Drug Information. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695022.html. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.