If you are wondering how to insert a suppository, there are few things you should know beforehand to make the procedure safe and successful. Below are the essential steps you should follow:
Wash Your Hands
The first step is to wash your hands thoroughly. Before you insert the suppository, cleaning your hands will reduce the chances of infection and ensure that the medication is sterile.
Preparation
Before inserting the suppository, make sure the area of application is dry, clean and free of any rashes, cuts or swelling. It is also advisable to prepare the suppository by keeping it at room temperature to allow it to become softer and more comfortable for insertion.
Remove the Wrapping
Unwrap the suppository from its foil before you insert it. A suppository must be used immediately after opening as it could dry up and become less effective if left exposed for too long.
Choose the Most Comfortable Position
Selecting the most comfortable position can vary depending on where you need to insert the suppository. For instance, if you are inserting the suppository in your rectum, choose a position where you can lie on your side, with one leg bent up toward your chest.
Insert the Suppository
You can insert the suppository by using a lubricant, or it can be done without one, depending on your comfort level. Hold the suppository at the tip and insert it into the body delicately. Always handle the suppository with care, as it can break easily. Once inserted, remain in the same position for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the medication to dissolve completely.
Wash Your Hands Again
After inserting the suppository, it is essential to wash your hands once again to eliminate any contamination that may have occurred while inserting it.
Benefits of Suppository Insertion
While suppository may seem like a disadvantageous way of delivering medicine, it has its own sets of benefits. Some of its advantages are:
Minimal Gastro-Intestinal Effects
Suppositories do not have to be broken down by the digestive tract, as they bypass the stomach and intestines. That means a very low probability of irritating the stomach or intestines.
Rapid and Successful Intake
Suppositories effect rapidly and efficiently. They singlehandedly deliver the medication precisely to the right area where it’s needed, without dispersal or misdirection.
Easy Administration
Suppositories are relatively easy to take and are versatile. They are available in various medications like pain relievers, laxatives, medication for motion sickness, and constipation.
Conclusion
Suppositories are widely used and considered an effective way of delivering medications. The process of inserting a suppository can seem daunting, but with the right preparation and information, you can make it successful and safe. Always follow the recommended dose and precautions mentioned by your healthcare provider. Remember to keep them at room temperature, keep them out of reach of children, and use them immediately after opening to derive the best possible benefits from their usage.