Rectal administration

Rectal Administration

Rectal administration (/rɛkˈtæl ˌædmɪnɪˈstreɪʃən/) refers to the method of introducing medications or other therapeutic agents into the rectum for systemic absorption or local effect.

Etymology

The term "rectal administration" is derived from the Latin word "rectum," which means straight, and the English word "administration," which refers to the act of giving or applying something.

Definition

Rectal administration is a route of administration where drugs are inserted through the anus into the rectum. This method is often used when a patient has difficulty swallowing, is vomiting, or the drug needs to bypass the liver for absorption.

Related Terms

Suppositories: A type of medication designed for rectal administration. They are typically shaped for easy insertion and dissolve or melt at body temperature to release the medication.
Enemas: A procedure that involves introducing liquids into the rectum and colon via the anus. Enemas can be used for medical purposes, such as to relieve constipation or to prepare a patient for surgery.
Bioavailability: The proportion of a drug or other substance which enters the circulation when introduced into the body and so is able to have an active effect.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of rectal administration include the ability to administer medication in patients who cannot take it orally and the avoidance of first-pass metabolism in the liver. Disadvantages include patient discomfort and the potential for incomplete absorption of the medication.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Rectal administration
Wikipedia's article - Rectal administration

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Rectal administration