A small solid body shaped for ready introduction into one of the orifices of the body other than the oral cavity ( e.g., rectum, urethra, vagina), made of a substance, usually medicated, which is solid at ordinary temperatures but melts at body temperature. S. bases usually used are theobroma oil, glycerinated gelatin, hydrogenated vegetable oils, mixtures of polyethylene glycols of various molecular weights, and fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol. [L. suppositorium, fr. suppositorius, placed underneath]
- glycerin s. a conical translucent dosage form for rectal administration intended for the relief of constipation; frequently used in young children. Contains glycerin and a stiffening agent such as sodium stearate (a soap). Action is produced by lubrication, water retention, and local irritation.
* * *
sup·pos·i·to·ry sə-'päz-ə-.tōr-ē, -.tȯr- n, pl -ries a solid but readily meltable cone or cylinder of usu. medicated material for insertion into a bodily passage or cavity (as the rectum, vagina, or urethra)
* * *
n.
a medicinal preparation in solid form suitable for insertion into the rectum or vagina. Rectal suppositories may contain simple lubricants (e.g. glycerin); drugs that act locally in the rectum or anus (e.g. corticosteroids, local anaesthetics); or drugs that are absorbed and act at other sites (e.g. bronchodilator). Vaginal suppositories are used in the treatment of some gynaecological disorders (see pessary).
* * *
sup·pos·i·to·ry (sə-pozґĭ-tor-e) [L. suppositorium] a medicated mass adapted for introduction into the rectal, vaginal, or urethral orifice of the body; suppository bases are solid at room temperature but melt or dissolve at body temperature. Commonly used bases are cocoa butter, glycerinated gelatin, hydrogenated vegetable oils, polyethylene glycols of various molecular weights, and fatty acid esters of polyethylene glycol.Medical dictionary. 2011.