Suppositories For Children: Everything You Need To Know – You Are Parents

Some medications come in the form of suppositories. Because some are somewhat uncomfortable, this is not the most common way to administer medication. Thus, they are used in certain situations, especially in children. In this article, we will give you some data that you need to know about suppositories.

What is a suppository?

Suppositories are a form of presenting certain medications. Suppository is a drug dissolved in a substance, which is solid or semi-solid, at room temperature. Thus, they are thought to be administered rectally. Suppositories enter the body through the anus.

When are they used?

Not all drugs are available in this type of administration. In addition, because of the inconvenience it can cause and for its disadvantages, its use is still limited to certain situations.

Suppositories can be used for local problems. For example, hemorrhoids, or they can affect the whole body. The situations in which they are used the most in children are as follows:

• Vomiting , which will prevent children from absorbing oral medicines.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Emergency situations, such as seizures.
• Fever.
• Occasional constipation (the famous glycerin suppository).

How to apply suppositories?

Concretely, each suppository tends to be accompanied by the manufacturer’s instructions . So, there is a series of simple steps to follow:

1. Wash hands before handling the suppository.
2. The suppository should be hard. If it is too soft, store it for thirty minutes in the fridge or place it under cold water with a tightly closed packaging.
3. Set the child aside. The lower leg should be extended and the upper one flexed towards the navel.
4. Introduce the suppository into the child’s anus, pressing gently with a finger, in the direction of his navel. Contrary to popular belief, it is recommended to introduce the suppository by the flat part, and not by the pointed one . Thus, we make sure that it will be well introduced and that it will not come out easily.
5. Once the suppository is properly placed, hold the child’s bottom for a few seconds. Then, the child will have to remain lying down for 10 to 15 minutes, so we can be sure that he will absorb it properly and not expel it.

Some precautions to take into account

Like any medicine, the suppository has an expiry date. It is important to ensure its expiration date before using it.

Each manufacturer will indicate the means to be taken for their conservation. Sometimes it is necessary to put it in the refrigerator, and other times it will be enough to leave the medicine in a cool and dry place.

Finally, because of its particular application, it is very important to use it with care so as not to harm the child. Of course, if we want the suppository to work properly, we have to give it time to work and make sure that the child does not expel it through the anus.

In summary

Suppositories, although they are still less used, are the most adequate form of giving medicine in some cases. Vomiting and seizures are examples.

In view of its peculiarities, it is important to know how to store it and apply it correctly. Finally, it should be taken into account that the most reliable instructions are always those given by the manufacturers of each suppository.