Suppository

A solid medical preparation, of cone or bullet shape, designed to be placed in the rectum to dissolve. Suppositories are used to treat rectal disorders such as haemorrhoids or proctitis. They may also be used to soften faeces and stimulate defaecation. In addition, suppositories may be used to administer drugs into the general circulation, via blood vessels in the rectum, if vomiting is likely to prevent absorption after oral administration or if the drug would cause irritation of the stomach.