| 1Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. |
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| 2 If the suppository is soft, hold it under cool water or place it in a refrigerator for a few minutes to harden it before removing the wrapper. |
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| 3Remove the wrapper, if present. |
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| 4 If you were told to use half of the suppository, cut it lengthwise with a clean, single-edge razor blade. |
| 5 Put on a finger cot or disposable glove, if desired (available at a pharmacy). |
| 6 Lubricate the suppository tip with a water-soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly, not petroleum jelly (Vaseline). If you do not have this lubricant, moisten your rectal area with cool tap water. |
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7 Lie on your side with your lower leg straightened out and your upper leg bent forward toward your stomach.
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| 8 Lift upper buttock to expose the rectal area. |
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| 9 Insert the suppository, pointed end first, with your finger until it passes the muscular sphincter of the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch in infants and 1 inch in adults. (If not inserted past this sphincter, the suppository may pop out.) |
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| 10 Hold buttocks together for a few seconds. |
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11 Remain lying down for about 5 minutes to avoid having the suppository come out.
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| 12 Discard used materials and wash your hands thoroughly. |
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Remember
- Follow directions carefully
- Do not miss doses
- Store suppositories in a cool place and avoid melting; refrigerate them if so labeled
- Store medications out of reach of children
The 'How to Administer' illustrations shown on SafeMedication.com were developed by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) using referenced publications and existing patient information. The illustrations are the sole intellectual property of ASHP. Copyright ASHP. Illustrator: Kirk Moldoff Studios, Princeton, N.J.