Vaginal and rectal preparations

Question 1

What is the usual size of suppositories?

Answer 1

1-4g

Question 2

What are the two main types of vehicles used in suppositories?

Answer 2

Fatty bases

Water soluble bases

Question 3

At what temperature do fatty bases melt?

Answer 3

37 degrees

Question 4

What are viscosity enhancers used for in suppositories?

Answer 4

create a gel like system for slower release of drug

Question 5

What is lecithin used for in suppositories?

Answer 5

used when drug concentration is high to help flow properties

Question 6

What are surfactants used for in suppositories?

Answer 6

To create emulsion systems or as wetting agents

Question 7

Fatty bases can turn brittle and may need lubricating before administration. True or false?

Answer 7

False - water soluble bases

Question 8

What are enemas?

Answer 8

Oily or aqueous solutions administered rectally

Question 9

Are enemas for local or systemic use?

Answer 9

Both

Question 10

What are the advantages of rectal delivery?

Answer 10

Oral route may not be available
Drug not orally active
Avoid first pass metabolism
Rapid local action

Question 11

What are the disadvantages of rectal delivery?

Answer 11

Patient preference
Slow and incomplete absorption
Local irritation
Difficult administration 
Difficult production
Storage conditions

Question 12

Only 3-10% of drug absorbed when given vaginally. True or false?

Answer 12

True

Question 13

Pessaries are made with glycerol-gelatine bases. True or false?

Answer 13

True

Question 14

Why do vaginal tablets require disintegrants?

Answer 14

Due to low moisture content

Question 15

What are the advantages of vaginal drug delivery?

Answer 15

Drug not orally active
Better bioavailability for some drugs
Avoids first pass metabolism
Rapid local action and reduced systemic side effects

Question 16

What are the disadvantages of vaginal drug delivery?

Answer 16

Patient preference 
Local irritation 
Staining of underwear 
Difficult to administer 
Difficult to produce
Compatibility with condoms