Suppository is a conical shaped substance that melts inside the body to deliver medicine into the veins. A suppository is inserted into the rectum, vagina or urethra. The purpose of this article is to discuss rectal suppository.

Rectal suppositories are commonly used as: laxative, treatment for hemorrhoid and general administration purposes for medicines such as paracetamol (acetaminophen), diclofenac, opiates, and eucalyptol suppositories.

Laxative suppository is used to speed up the elimination of wastes inside the colon. Glycerin is the most common rectal suppository. Medical predicament such as an impacted intestine needs the insertion of a rectal suppository. Medical practitioners often recommend glycerin suppository for simple insertion.

Suppository is used to treat hemorrhoid because it acts as a lubricant to the anal region thus feces are easily expelled. Hemorrhoid is a painful protruding of the rectal veins, which is oftentimes caused by excessive pressure when excreting a hard stool.

Some medicines that often cause stomach upsets are administered thru suppository. Patients who have a hard time taking in oral medications are administered in suppository especially for kids like paracetamol for very high fever.

The proper way of inserting rectal suppository should be the blunt end first contrary to our knowledge that we insert rectal suppository by its tip first. This is of a mechanical importance as the blunt end support the annals muscular structure and figure of the anal canal.

Here are seven simple steps on the proper way to insert a rectal suppository.

1. Wash hands thoroughly in warm water. Use soap.
2. You may opt to Put on a pair of gloves. Make sure that the gloves you will use are sanitized.
3. Open the package of the suppository, but keep the suppository inside the package until you are ready to use it.
4. Position yourself comfortably. Side lying is the best position in inserting a suppository.
5. When ready, take the suppository out of the package and hold it in between your thumbs and middle finger. Be careful not to drop it.
6. Be sure that the blunt shape is pointing toward the anus not the tip. Insert suppository directly to the anus. Insert it enough to avoid suppository from coming out.
7. Lay still and hold suppository inside the anus for 15 minutes.

Remember to wash your hands with soap and water after you had your successful bowel movement.