Suppositories in anal disorders: a review

Abstract

Introduction: Drug treatment for various ano-rectal conditions has been known since ancient times. Suppositories are one of the very feasible modes of administration for medication.

Materials and methods: Medline (1950-2006) was searched for all published reports about suppositories. This study sum up various suppositories used in proctological practice, which either are in vogue and have been used with a proven degree of success, or suppositories which are described in the literature but are no more in use. This study attempts to highlight the advantages and drawbacks of each of them.

Results: Over 30 different types of ingredients have been found which are used singly or in conjugation in suppositories formulation. While there are only few reports of adverse reaction following use of suppositories like rectal ulcer, rectal stricture and stenosis, the overall acceptance of this mode of medication is good.

Conclusion: Suppositories offer to the patients an option that is less invasive and less discomforting. Suppositories could well be looked as a convenient drug delivery system in patients having ano-rectal symptoms.