A suppository is a small, solid form of medication delivered rectally, which melts after insertion due to the body’s temperature, allowing the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This method is often used for infants who are unable or unwilling to take oral medication. The two most common reasons for administering a suppository are for the relief of constipation or for the reduction of a fever. Using the rectal route bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and ensures the infant receives the medication dose.
Essential Preparation and Safety Checks
The process begins with confirming the medication, dosage, and expiration date. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if there is any uncertainty about the strength of the suppository appropriate for the infant’s age and weight. If the suppository feels soft, run it under cold water or chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm it up, preventing it from melting too quickly during handling.
Gather all necessary supplies, including the suppository, a clean diaper or towel, and a water-soluble lubricant, which is preferable over petroleum jelly because the latter can interfere with medication absorption. Prior to touching the medication or the infant, wash your hands with soap and water. Hand hygiene is a foundational step in any infant care procedure and should be repeated immediately after the process is complete.
Select an optimal position for the infant, such as laying the infant on their back with their legs lifted and held toward the chest, or lying them on their side with the top leg bent toward the stomach. This positioning helps relax the muscles around the rectum. Ensure there is no existing rectal bleeding or any known allergy to the medication, which would make administration unsafe.
Step-by-Step Safe Administration
Once the infant is positioned, gently remove the suppository from its wrapper and apply lubricant to the rounded tip. Lubricating the infant’s anal opening helps ease the insertion and minimize discomfort. Hold the suppository with the pointed or tapered end ready for insertion, as this shape is easier to introduce into the anal canal.
Spread the infant’s buttocks and use one finger to push the suppository into the rectum. The goal is to insert the suppository past the anal sphincter, which is the muscular ring that keeps the medication inside. For an infant, this depth is typically about one-half to one inch, or until the suppository is no longer visible.
Pushing the suppository past the sphincter is necessary to prevent the infant from pushing it back out. During the insertion, keep a calm and gentle demeanor to help reduce the infant’s stress and resistance. Aiming the suppository toward the infant’s belly button can help follow the natural curve of the rectum. Avoid handling the suppository before insertion, as body heat can cause it to melt prematurely.
Post-Procedure Care and Monitoring
Immediately after the suppository is inserted, gently hold the infant’s buttocks together for five to ten minutes. This retention technique is important because it allows the suppository to dissolve and the medication to begin absorbing before the infant causes expulsion. Keeping the infant still and comfortable during this time can increase the likelihood of successful retention.
Once the retention period is complete, clean the area and replace the diaper, and then comfort the infant to help them settle. Following the procedure, monitor the infant closely for the expected results, such as a reduction in fever or a bowel movement. The time it takes for the medication to work will vary depending on the specific drug used.
Contact a healthcare provider if the suppository is expelled intact within 10 to 30 minutes of insertion, as the infant may need a repeat dose or an alternative treatment. Consult a healthcare provider if the infant’s symptoms worsen, or if any adverse reactions occur, such as a rash, increased discomfort, or continued high fever. Observing the infant for a couple of hours after administration helps ensure the medication is working safely and effectively.