A suppository is a solid form of medication designed for insertion into a body cavity, most commonly the rectum, but also the vagina or urethra. It dissolves or melts at body temperature, releasing active ingredients. Suppositories deliver medication for either a localized effect, such as treating constipation or hemorrhoids, or for systemic absorption into the bloodstream. They offer an alternative drug delivery route for individuals unable to take oral medications, including young children, the elderly, or those experiencing nausea and vomiting.
Typical Timeframes
The time a suppository takes to work varies based on medication type and intended effect. Rectal laxative suppositories typically act rapidly. Glycerin suppositories often work within about 15 minutes, while bisacodyl rectal suppositories can produce a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes. This quick action provides immediate constipation relief.
For medications intended for systemic absorption, the timeframe is longer as the drug must enter and circulate through the bloodstream. While some drugs show rapid absorption, general systemic effects may take hours to become noticeable. Medication from a rectal suppository tends to work quickly because it can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing initial liver processing. However, individual responses can differ.
Influencing Factors
Several factors influence how quickly a suppository takes effect, including the active ingredient’s properties, the suppository’s base, and individual physiological conditions. The active ingredient’s chemical characteristics, such as solubility and particle size, are significant. Smaller particles lead to faster dissolution and absorption. Drugs that remain in an un-ionized, more fat-soluble form are also absorbed more readily at the rectum’s relatively neutral pH.
The type of suppository base also impacts drug release. Fatty bases, like cocoa butter or synthetic triglycerides, melt at body temperature to release medication. Water-soluble bases, such as polyethylene glycol, dissolve in rectal fluids, offering prolonged release. Proper administration technique is important; the suppository must be inserted far enough past the anal sphincter and retained for a sufficient period to allow the medication to work.
Individual physiological factors also contribute to absorption rates. The rectum has a rich blood supply, allowing medication absorbed from the lower rectum to enter systemic circulation directly, avoiding initial liver metabolism. The presence of stool in the rectum can affect laxative absorption by creating a barrier. The small volume of rectal fluid can also limit the dissolution of some poorly soluble drugs.
When It Doesn’t Work as Expected
If a suppository does not work within the expected timeframe, wait a reasonable additional period before taking further action. For laxative suppositories, if no bowel movement occurs after 15 to 30 minutes, avoid immediate re-dosing. Inserting another suppository without guidance could lead to overdose or adverse effects.
If the suppository is expelled shortly after insertion, it may not have been pushed far enough into the rectum, needing to be inserted past the sphincter. Contact a healthcare professional if there is no effect after an extended period, if symptoms worsen, or if severe discomfort, rectal bleeding, or signs of an allergic reaction occur. For persistent constipation, a doctor or pharmacist might suggest alternative treatments, such as oral laxatives or enemas, after evaluating the situation.