Patient education: How to use rectal medicines (The Basics)

What is a rectal medicine? — A rectal medicine is given into the rectum. The rectum is the lower part of the large intestine (figure 1). The medicine then helps with rectal problems, such as hemorrhoids or constipation, or is absorbed for your body to use.

There are different forms of rectal medicines, including:

●Suppositories – These are solid medicines that dissolve or melt after you insert them.

●Creams, ointments, foams, and gels

What kinds of medicines can be given through the rectum? — Examples include medicines to:

●Treat constipation, anal itching, or hemorrhoids

●Treat symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, pain, or fever

●Treat some conditions like inflammatory bowel disease

●Help stop a seizure

How do I use rectal medicines? — Follow any instructions you were given with your medicine. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions. In general, here are the steps to using a rectal medicine:

●Check the medicine:

•Read the label to make sure that you have the correct medicine and the correct dose. Check that it is not expired.

•Know if you need to hold the medicine in the rectum for a time or if it is OK to have a bowel movement right away.

•Know how often you should use the medicine.

●Wash your hands with warm, soapy water before you begin and after you are finished. Some people prefer to use a glove, plastic wrap, or finger cot to protect their finger.

●Lie down on your side, and raise your top knee toward your chin.

•If you are right-handed, lie on your left side.

•If you are left-handed, lie on your right side.

To use a suppository:

●Unwrap the suppository.

●If the suppository is soft, try putting it in the refrigerator for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also run cold water over it while it is still in the wrapper.

●Put a small amount of a water-based lubricant (sample brand name: K-Y Jelly) on the tip of the suppository. This makes putting it in easier. You can also wet the tip of the suppository with a few drops of cool water.

●Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into your rectum. For children, this is about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 cm). For adults, this is about 1 inch (2.5 cm).

●If possible, wait 10 to 15 minutes before getting up and moving around.

To use a cream, ointment, foam, or gel:

●Clean the anus and area around it with a wet cloth.

●Around the anus:

•Place a small amount of the ointment or cream on your fingertip.

•Gently rub the cream, ointment, foam, or gel into the skin around your anus. Do not put it inside your rectum.

●In the rectum:

•Put a small amount of water-based lubricant on the applicator.

•Gently insert the applicator tip into your rectum about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 cm).

•Slowly push the plunger or squeeze the tube until the medicine is given.

•Take the applicator out of your rectum.

●Some applicators are reusable. If so, wash the applicator with warm, soapy water after each use.

What are the risks of using rectal medicines? — Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will talk to you about all of the possible risks, and answer your questions. Possible risks include:

●Mild itching

●Having a bowel movement

More on this topic

Patient education: How to give an enema (The Basics)
Patient education: Constipation in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Constipation in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Anal pruritus (anal itching) (The Basics)
Patient education: Hemorrhoids (The Basics)

Patient education: Constipation in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Constipation in infants and children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Hemorrhoids (Beyond the Basics)