What is the proper way to use a suppository?

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Suppositories have been used for centuries as an effective alternative to oral medication for patients unable to swallow pills or experiencing severe nausea. Understanding what is the proper way to use a suppository is critical for ensuring the medication is absorbed correctly and safely, delivering the intended therapeutic effect.

Quick Summary

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for the correct administration of rectal and vaginal suppositories, including preparation, positioning, insertion techniques, and post-application care. It also covers special considerations for pediatric use and crucial safety precautions.

Key Points

Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: Always wash your hands before and after handling a suppository to prevent infection.
Firm is Best: If a suppository is soft, firm it up by running it under cool water or refrigerating it briefly before unwrapping.
Use Water-Based Lubricant Only: Use a water-based lubricant to ease insertion. Do not use petroleum jelly, as it can hinder the medication's absorption.
Proper Positioning is Key: Lie on your side for rectal suppositories or on your back with bent knees for vaginal ones to ensure comfortable and correct insertion.
Insert Beyond the Sphincter: For rectal suppositories, push past the muscular sphincter (about 1 inch) to prevent it from slipping back out.
Lie Still After Insertion: Remain lying down for 10-15 minutes after insertion to allow the medication to melt and absorb properly.
Check Expiration Dates: Always check the expiry date of the medication and store suppositories in a cool place to prevent melting.

General Preparation for Using a Suppository

Regardless of the insertion site, several key preparatory steps are essential to ensure a clean, effective, and comfortable experience.

Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: Use soap and warm water to wash your hands before and after handling the suppository. This prevents the transfer of germs and helps maintain hygiene.
Check the Suppository's Consistency: If the suppository feels soft or is starting to melt, run it under cold water while still in its wrapper or place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm it up. This makes insertion much easier.
Unwrap the Suppository: Carefully remove the suppository from its foil or plastic packaging right before use. Avoid unwrapping it beforehand, as it may melt.
Prepare a Lubricant: Use a water-based lubricating jelly, such as K-Y Jelly, to moisten the tip of the suppository or the insertion area. Do not use petroleum jelly (e.g., Vaseline), as it can prevent the suppository from melting and absorbing correctly.

Rectal Suppository Administration

Rectal suppositories are commonly used to treat conditions like constipation, hemorrhoids, fever, and nausea. The following steps detail the proper insertion technique.

Step-by-Step Rectal Insertion

Empty Your Bowels (If Possible): For best results, try to have a bowel movement before insertion, especially if the suppository is for constipation.
Position Yourself Comfortably: Lie on your left side with your lower leg straight and your right leg bent forward towards your chest. Alternatively, stand with one foot on a chair. This position helps relax the anal sphincter muscle.
Expose the Rectum: Gently lift your upper buttock to expose the rectal area.
Insert the Suppository: Using your finger, insert the suppository, pointed end first, into the rectum. For adults, push it about 1 inch (2.5 cm) past the sphincter muscle, the muscular ring just inside the anus. This prevents it from popping back out.
Hold in Place: After insertion, hold your buttocks together for a few seconds. Remain lying down for about 15 minutes to allow the suppository to melt and the medication to be absorbed effectively.
Clean Up: Wash your hands thoroughly again with soap and warm water.

Vaginal Suppository Administration

Vaginal suppositories are typically used for local treatments, such as yeast or bacterial infections, hormone therapy, or vaginal dryness.

Step-by-Step Vaginal Insertion

Choose a Position: Lie on your back with your knees bent and pulled toward your chest, or stand with your knees slightly bent and feet apart. This makes the vaginal opening more accessible.
Use an Applicator (Optional): Many vaginal suppositories come with a disposable plastic applicator. If so, follow the package instructions to load and insert the suppository. Insert the applicator as far as it will comfortably go, then push the plunger to release the medication.
Insert with Your Finger (If No Applicator): If not using an applicator, push the suppository into the vagina with your finger about ½ to 1 inch.
Relax After Insertion: Stay lying down for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the suppository to melt and the medication to be absorbed. Consider inserting the suppository before bedtime to minimize leakage.
Manage Leakage: Wearing a panty liner can help manage any potential leakage of the melted suppository base.
Avoid Tampons: Do not use a tampon during treatment, as it can absorb the medication and reduce its effectiveness.

Suppository Administration for Children

Administering a suppository to a child requires gentle handling and reassurance. The technique is similar to adult rectal insertion but with modified positioning and depth.

Steps for Children

Position the Child: Place the child on their side with knees bent toward their chest or have them lie on their stomach across your lap. For infants, laying them on their back with legs raised, as if changing a diaper, is often effective.
Use a Water-Based Lubricant: Just like with adults, moisten the tip with water or a water-based lubricant.
Insert Gently: Insert the suppository gently, using your finger. The depth of insertion varies by age: about ½ inch for infants, and 1 to 2 inches for older children, depending on their size.
Hold Buttocks Closed: To prevent the child from pushing the suppository out, hold their buttocks together for a few seconds or minutes until the medication begins to melt.
Distract the Child: Calm and distract the child with a story or toy during the process to reduce anxiety.

Rectal vs. Vaginal Suppositories: A Comparison


Feature	Rectal Suppositories	Vaginal Suppositories
Purpose	Local and systemic effects (e.g., pain, fever, nausea)	Primarily local effects (e.g., infections, hormones)
Shape	Generally cone or bullet-shaped	Often more oval or teardrop-shaped
Insertion Method	Typically inserted with a finger	Can be inserted with a finger or an applicator
Ideal Positioning	Lying on side with one leg bent	Lying on back with knees bent or standing
Storage	Typically stored in a cool place; some require refrigeration	Often stored in a cool place; check label for specifics
Post-Insertion Care	Remain lying down for about 15 minutes	Remain lying down for 10-15 minutes; may wear a pad

Conclusion: Safe and Effective Suppository Use

Learning what is the proper way to use a suppository ensures the medication works effectively and minimizes discomfort. Key practices include proper hygiene, appropriate positioning, and the correct insertion technique based on whether it is a rectal or vaginal suppository. Remember to always use a water-based lubricant and follow the instructions on the medication label and from your healthcare provider. If you encounter any difficulties or experience unusual symptoms, consult your doctor or pharmacist. With the right knowledge, suppositories can be a simple and valuable part of your treatment plan.

How to Find Reliable Health Information

For more information on medications and health topics, consult authoritative sources like MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

The time it takes for a suppository to work varies based on the medication and administration route. Rectal suppositories for constipation (e.g., glycerin or bisacodyl) can work within 15 to 60 minutes. Vaginal suppositories need about 10 to 15 minutes to melt and begin absorbing.

If a rectal suppository comes out, it likely was not inserted far enough to pass the muscular sphincter. For adults, re-insert it and ensure it goes in about 1 inch. For vaginal suppositories, it may be due to not resting long enough. Try re-inserting and remaining still for at least 15 minutes.

Suppository use during pregnancy depends on the medication. Some, like progesterone suppositories for fertility treatment, are common. Always consult your doctor before using any medication, including suppositories, while pregnant to ensure it is safe for you and your baby.

No, you should not use petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) to lubricate a suppository. Petroleum-based products can prevent the suppository from melting and releasing the medication correctly. Only use cool water or a water-based lubricating jelly.

Suppositories should be stored in a cool place, away from heat, to prevent them from melting prematurely. Some types require refrigeration; always check the package for specific storage instructions.

No, do not use a tampon while using a vaginal suppository. The tampon can absorb the medication and reduce its effectiveness. Instead, use a panty liner to manage any potential leakage.

If a child pushes the suppository out, try holding their buttocks together gently for a few minutes after insertion. This helps keep it in place long enough to melt. Distracting the child with a song or story can also help.