Products
Vaginal suppositories are commercially available as drugs and medical devices. Listed below are some active ingredients which are administered vaginally:
- Estrogens: estriol
- Progestins: progesterone
- Antifungals: Econazole, ciclopirox
- Antiparasitics: Metronidazole, Clindamycin
- Antiseptics: Povidone–iodine, formerly boric acid.
- Probiotics: Lactobacilli
The egg-shaped vaginal suppositories are also called ovules (singular ovulum).
Structure and properties
Vaginal suppositories are dosage forms which are intended for vaginal administration. They are usually egg- or torpedo-shaped and consist of a base material in which the active ingredients are dissolved or dispersed. They may contain various excipients, for example, fillers, surfactants, preservatives and lubricants. They are usually manufactured by casting into a mold. Vaginal suppositories melt at body temperature, releasing the active ingredients, which are locally or systemically active. The base compound may consist of the following substances, among others:
- Hard fat (Adeps solidus, Witepsol).
- Macrogols, e.g. macrogol 1000 and 1500
- Cocoa butter
- Gelatin, glycerol, water
Effects
Vaginal suppositories may exert local effects on the vaginal mucosa and, if absorbed, additional systemic effects.
Indications
Indications for use include:
- Infectious diseases such as fungal infections, amebiasis, trichomoniasis, bacterial infections.
- Vaginal dryness
- Estrogen substitution for estrogen deficiency.
- Progestin substitution
- As a labor inhibitor against premature labor.
Dosage
- Vaginal suppositories are usually administered at night before bedtime.
- Wash hands with soap and water or put on gloves or a fingerstall.
- Remove the suppository from the wrapper.
- Insert the suppository carefully and as deeply as possible into the vagina in the supine position with the legs slightly pulled.
- To facilitate insertion, suppositories can be slightly warmed or moistened with water.
- Wash hands with soap and water.
A panty liner can be worn during the treatment.
