Tag: Rectal absorption

Medications have been administered through the rectum since the time of Hippocrates. In pharmacology, the term 'rectally' refers to a route of administration where drugs are delivered through the anus into the rectum for either a local or systemic effect. This method is a vital alternative when oral medication is not feasible.

According to research published in *Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews*, suppositories can provide faster and more targeted relief for certain conditions compared to oral medication because they bypass the digestive system. The critical timeframe for this process is knowing exactly **how long does it take for a suppository to absorb?**, a period influenced by several key factors including the suppository base and administration route.

Approximately two-thirds of rectally administered medication can bypass the liver's first-pass metabolism, directly entering the systemic circulation. Understanding how is medicine absorbed rectally is crucial for appreciating this alternative drug delivery method for patients unable to take oral medications, such as those experiencing severe nausea or seizures.