Rectal Route
Introduction Drugs can be given rectally in solution, suppository or emulsion form. Indications This route of drug administration is Generally for local effect rather than systemic effects. Such as constipation , anal fissures and haemorrhoids . Indicated for drugs inactivated by the gastrointestinal fluids or liver when given orally [ bypassing first-past (presystemic) metabolism ] Indicated when the oral route is precluded , for example when a patient is vomiting or unconscious (i.e. when the patient is unable to swallow). Disadvantages The rectal route is inconvenient . Can affect patient compliance especially for chronic ailments because of privacy and cultural aspects. Drug absorption is often irregular and difficult to predict. It depends on the positioning of the dosage form in the rectal cavity and on interpatient variations in rectal content. How to Use