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Effects of Surfactants on Suppository Absorption Essay example

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Suppositories are the frequently used dosage forms prescribed through rectal route. However, suppositories have the limitation of prolonged onset of action which can be attributed to poor drug release properties of suppository base. Surfactants can increase the drug release to aid absorption by reducing the interfacial tension between rectal fluids and the suppository base. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of different concentrations of sodium lauryl sulphate and tween 80 on the drug release of paracetamol from suppositories of palm kernel base (HAMIN®). Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and tween 80 were used in this study to examine their effect on the drug release from paracetamol suppositories prepared using HAMIN® base …show more content…

Drugs are incorporated into suitable suppository bases which may be fatty base or water soluble base to form suppositories into suitable shape to be inserted into the rectum. [3] In the rectum, the suppositories release their drug content by melting at body temperature or dissolving in rectal mucous secretion to be diffused across the rectal epithelium into the mucosa that is abundantly vascularised. [4] The drug can be absorbed through the middle and inferior rectal veins into systemic circulation by passing the hepatic first pass metabolism, which gives the rectal route of administration an extra advantage. Paracetamol is a well-known drug for its analgesic and antipyretic activity. It is available in oral, rectal and intravenous dosage form. The most common route of administration is the oral route as paracetamol is being absorbed well through this route with the bioavailability of 63-89%. [5] The absorption half-life through oral route is 4.5 minutes with no lag time. [6] The rectal form of paracetamol is mainly intended to be used in children as they have difficulty in swallowing oral medication. The bioavailability of paracetamol administered through rectal route is in the range of 24-98%, depending on the suppositories physical composition with 35 minutes of mean absorption half-life and 40 minutes of lag time. The rectal absorption of paracetamol is poor compared to oral route. [7] Studies showed that there is a significant longer

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