Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
How should suppositories containing light-sensitive drugs be packaged to protect them?
Which type of suppository base should be stored at a refrigerator temperature range?
What is a potential issue with suppositories stored in high humidity?
How are glycerinated gelatin suppositories usually packaged to prevent moisture content changes?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a quality control test often performed on finished suppositories?
Signup and view all the answers
Why are cocoa butter suppositories usually individually wrapped or separated in compartmented boxes?
Signup and view all the answers
What measures need to be taken to prevent suppositories from becoming spongy when stored?
Signup and view all the answers
In what type of material are suppositories containing light-sensitive drugs usually wrapped?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Packaging and Storage of Suppositories
- Suppositories are packaged in tightly closed glass containers to prevent changes in moisture content.
- Cocoa butter-based suppositories are individually wrapped or separated in compartmented boxes to prevent contact and adhesion.
- Light-sensitive suppositories are wrapped in opaque materials like metallic foil.
- Most commercial suppositories are individually wrapped in foil or plastic.
- Some suppositories are packaged in a continuous strip, separated by perforations.
Storage Conditions
- Suppositories should be stored in a cool place to prevent heat-induced damage.
- Cocoa butter suppositories should be stored below 30°C (86°F), preferably in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C or 36°F to 46°F).
- Glycerinated gelatin suppositories can be stored at controlled room temperature (20°C to 25°C or 68°F to 77°F).
- Polyethylene glycol-based suppositories can be stored at usual room temperatures.
Quality Control Tests
- Appearance
- Content uniformity
- Fragility test (Breaking test, Hardness test)
- Melting range test
- Disintegration test
- Drug release test
Types of Suppositories
- Vaginal suppositories are used as treatments for various conditions.
- Urethral suppositories contain antibacterial or local anesthetic preparations for urethral examination.
- Rectal suppositories are used for systemic absorption of drugs, especially for treating nausea, migraine, and other conditions.
Advantages of Suppositories
- Suitable for drugs destroyed by pH or enzymatic activity of the GIT.
- Suitable for drugs irritating to the stomach.
- Suitable for patients who suffer from vomiting.
Disadvantages of Suppositories
- Uncomfortable to use
- Variation of absorption pattern and unpredicted bioavailability
- Slow and erratic absorption or loss of suppository due to defecation
- Pathology (hemorrhoids, fissures) may lead to irritation and expulsion
Physiological Factors Influencing Drug Absorption
- The human rectum is approximately 15 to 20 cm long.
- The rectum contains only 2 to 3 mL of inert mucous fluid when empty of fecal material.
General Information About Suppositories
- Suppositories are solid dosage forms intended for insertion into body orifices.
- They melt, soften, or dissolve and exert local or systemic effects.
- They have various shapes and weights, depending on the type and purpose.
- Rectal suppositories are usually 1.5 inches long and weigh 2 g for adults or 1 g for infants.
- Vaginal suppositories are usually globular, oviform, or cone-shaped and weigh around 5 g.
- Urethral suppositories are pencil-shaped.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the use of vaginal, urethral, and rectal suppositories for drug administration. Learn about different types of drugs that can be administered via suppositories.
