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Rectal and Vaginal

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Practical Pharmaceutics

Abstract

This chapter is on dosage forms for rectal and vaginal use, with the main focus on suppositories and small-scale preparation methods. The position of rectal and vaginal administration in therapy and research is discussed as well as the main biopharmaceutical issues followed by the design of the formulation and preparation method. The suspension suppository is the most used form and the qualities of the active substance as well as of the excipients largely influence the therapeutic action. Therefore the chemical form of the active substance, its particle size and the suppository base get the most attention. The method of preparation is presented in detail, i.e. dispersing, mixing and pouring.

The onset of action with enemas is often faster than with suppositories and a larger part of the rectum and colon can be used for absorption. The latter is relevant for a local action. The chemical form of the active substance, the choice of the solvent and the pH of the preparation are important criteria.

Vaginal pessaries resemble rectal suppositories in many aspects. Differences from rectal suppositories are discussed. Vaginal solutions are mentioned briefly. They are not frequently used and largely resemble irrigation solutions and solutions for cutaneous use.

Finally, semisolid preparations for rectal and vaginal administration are focused on. Little difference exists from the corresponding cutaneous preparations and they are only discussed as far as there are specific requirements.

Based upon the chapter ‘Rectaal en Vaginaal’ by Stineke Haas and Christien Oussoren in the 2009 edition of Recepteerkunde.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Filling ratio means the ratio between the used volume of suppository mass and the nominal volume of the bottle.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands

    Stineke Haas & Herman Woerdenbag

  2. Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Medical University of Gdansk, Hallera 107, 80-416, Gdansk, Poland

    Małgorzata Sznitowska

Authors
  1. Stineke Haas
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  2. Herman Woerdenbag
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  3. Małgorzata Sznitowska
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Correspondence to Stineke Haas .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Dutch Pharmacists, Royal Dutch Pharmacists Association KNMP, The Hague, The Netherlands

    Yvonne Bouwman-Boer

  2. Former Quality Control Pharmacist to the Welsh Hospitals, Cardiff, United Kingdom

    V'Iain Fenton-May

  3. The Hague Hospital Pharmacy, The Hague, The Netherlands

    Paul Le Brun

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Haas, S., Woerdenbag, H., Sznitowska, M. (2015). Rectal and Vaginal. In: Bouwman-Boer, Y., Fenton-May, V., Le Brun, P. (eds) Practical Pharmaceutics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15814-3_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15814-3_11

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