What are Suppositories?

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Constipation can be a real pain in the… well, you know where! When things get backed up, it can be uncomfortable and frustrating.

When you need relief quickly or can’t use oral constipation treatments, suppositories might just be the relief you need. Here, you’ll get a comprehensive guide to suppositories for adults experiencing constipation.

What are Suppositories?

Suppositories are solid, cone-shaped medications that you insert via the anus into the rectum. The rectum is the lowest part of the large intestine, where stool collects before it leaves your body when you poo.

Rectal suppositories can contain different ingredients, which can help treat different conditions. One common ingredient in suppositories is glycerol, which helps with occasional constipation.

Unlike oral medications that you swallow, suppositories act directly in the rectum. This means they can provide fast relief from constipation.

So, how do glycerol-containing suppositories work?

  • They draw water into the intestines,  softening the stool and making it easier to pass.
  • Glycerol mildly irritates the rectum, which causes the bowel muscles to contract. This helps move the stool along and out of the body.

Using a suppository usually results in a bowel movement after about 15 to 60 minutes.

Benefits of Suppositories for Constipation

Using suppositories for constipation relief comes with several advantages over oral treatments:

Fast Relief

Suppositories can work more quickly than some oral constipation treatments because they act directly at the rectum. This means they don’t have to travel through the digestive system, providing faster relief.

Direct Relief

Suppositories deliver ingredients directly to the site of constipation, providing targeted relief.

Relief for when taking oral medications is difficult

Some people find taking oral medications difficult. This might be because they are feeling sick or vomiting. Some people also have difficulties with absorbing medicine through the stomach or intestines. Using a suppository bypasses these obstacles.

When should you use Suppositories?

Suppositories are particularly effective in the following situations:

  • When you need fast relief: Suppositories offer a quicker onset of action than many oral constipation relief medications. This makes them more suitable for constipation that needs to be treated quickly.
  • When you have difficulties taking oral medication: Suppositories bypass the digestive system. This makes them beneficial if you have difficulty swallowing pills or absorbing medications orally or when you have nausea or vomiting.

How to Use Suppositories Correctly

Inserting a suppository can feel a bit daunting (and perhaps a bit icky), especially if you’ve never had to do it before. But it can be pretty straightforward, particularly with these helpful step-by-step instructions.

Before you use it

Before you use a suppository:

  • Wash your hands well using soap and warm water.
  • Carefully unwrap the suppository, but keep it in the packaging until you are ready to use it.
  • If desired, moisten the suppository with a bit of tap water to make insertion easier.

Inserting a suppository

Follow these steps to insert the suppository correctly:

  1. Choose a comfortable position. You can stand with one leg raised on a chair or stool or lie on your side with one leg straight and the other bent towards your stomach.
  2. Gently spread your buttocks apart to expose the anus.
  3. Using your index finger, gently push the suppository, pointed end first, into your rectum. Insert it about the length of your finger, ensuring it passes beyond the sphincter muscle.
  4. Close your legs and stay in the chosen position for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the suppository to melt completely. Try to resist the urge to have a bowel movement immediately after insertion.
  5. Wash your hands thoroughly again once the suppository is inserted.

Once you feel a strong urge, go to the bathroom to have a bowel movement. The suppository should take effect within 15 to 60 minutes.

Choose Coloxyl Glycerol Suppositories for Adults

For fast effective relief from constipation, consider using Coloxyl Glycerol Suppositories For Adults. These suppositories are designed to provide fast and targeted relief. Their comfort-shaped design helps make them easy to use.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice. They can help you make sure that suppositories are the right choice for your situation.

Constipation doesn’t have to be a pain. With the right approach and the right products, you can kick constipation in the… well, you know where!

References for reviewers

  1. Glycerol suppositories for constipation. Osmotic laxatives. Accessed November 7, 2024. https://patient.info/medicine/glycerol-suppositories-for-constipation#
  2. Adult Suppositories Rectal: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD. Accessed November 7, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-56185/adult-suppositories-rectal/details
  3. Selby W, Corte C. Managing constipation in adults. Aust Prescr. 2010;33(4):116-119. doi:10.18773/AUSTPRESCR.2010.058
  4. Suppositories: What They Treat and How to Use Them. Accessed November 7, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/suppositories-how-to-use

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