How to Make and Use Suppositories for Delivering Medications and Supplements

### Introduction

Suppositories are a time-tested medicinal delivery method, often bullet-shaped or cylindrical, designed for insertion into the rectum, where they melt or dissolve at body temperature. The word “suppository” comes from the Latin *suppositorum*, meaning “something placed beneath.” Due to the rich blood and lymphatic supply in the rectum, suppositories allow medications or supplements to bypass first-pass metabolism by the liver, offering higher bioavailability and systemic or localized effects. Suppositories have been used for thousands of years, making them a reliable method for delivering medicinal herbs, peptides, and modern pharmaceuticals.

—

### Why Choose a Suppository Delivery Method?

The benefits of using suppositories extend beyond their ease of use. They offer a convenient, discreet, and effective method for delivering various substances, especially for individuals with specific medical needs.

1. Avoids Injections: A non-invasive alternative for those with needle phobias or aversions.

2. Alternative to Pills: Ideal for people with gastrointestinal issues or difficulty swallowing pills.

3. Higher Bioavailability: Compared to oral or nasal routes, rectal absorption allows many medications and supplements to enter the bloodstream more effectively, avoiding degradation in the stomach.

4. Discreet: Suppositories are invisible once inserted, and do not carry the inconveniences of nasal sprays (e.g., sniffles or unpleasant tastes).

5. Multiple Medicines in One Dose: Peptides, medicinal herbs, or even stacks of medications can be combined into a single suppository.

6. Use of Raw Peptides: Raw peptides, which are less expensive than lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides, can be used in suppositories because the rectum is less sensitive to sterility and pH than injectable routes.

—

### Types of Suppositories

Suppositories are made up of two essential components:

– Base: This is the carrier, often made from cocoa butter, glycerin, or synthetic substitutes.

– Active Ingredient: The medication, supplement, or herbal preparation being delivered.

1. Rectal Suppositories: Used for systemic absorption or local effects (e.g., laxatives, bowel treatments, anti-nausea medications, or supplements).

2. Vaginal Suppositories: Primarily used for local treatments, such as antifungals or hormone replacement therapy.

3. Urethral Suppositories: Rarely used, but available for conditions like erectile dysfunction.

—

### Benefits of Suppositories

Suppositories are a practical and effective way to administer medications, especially when other forms of delivery are unsuitable.

1. Bypassing First-Pass Metabolism: Medications avoid liver metabolism, leading to higher bioavailability.

2. Alternative to Oral or Injectable Routes: Ideal for patients who experience nausea, vomiting, or absorption issues, or who simply prefer not to take injections.

3. Peptide Delivery: Suppositories can be used to deliver peptides that would otherwise require sterile injection, as the rectum tolerates non-sterile materials.

4. More Discreet than Other Methods: They avoid the drawbacks of nasal sprays or oral medications.

5. Cost-Effective for Peptides: Raw peptides are much cheaper than lyophilized peptides and can be effectively used in suppositories.

—

### Drawbacks to Suppositories

While suppositories are generally a safe and effective method, there are some limitations to keep in mind:

1. No Water: Water should never be used in suppositories as it encourages mold growth.

2. No Reconstituted Peptides: Peptides that have been reconstituted with liquids should not be used.

3. Molecular Weight Limits: Molecules above approximately 1000 Daltons (or up to 1500 Daltons with absorption enhancers) may not be absorbed efficiently through the rectum.

4. Storage Requirements: Suppositories need to be stored in cool conditions (below 72°F) to remain solid, with refrigeration being ideal.

5.Timing: It’s important to time the use of suppositories carefully, avoiding bowel movements immediately after administration for maximum effectiveness.

6. Practice Required: Some individuals may need practice to feel comfortable with insertion. It’s recommended to relax for 15 minutes post-insertion to allow absorption.

—

### How to Make Suppositories

#### Materials Needed:

– Suppository base: Cocoa butter, glycerin, or polyethylene glycol (PEG) are common choices.

– Active ingredient: Medications, peptides, herbs, or supplements (in dry powder form).

– Suppository molds: Disposable or reusable molds in sizes such as 2-3ml.

– Absorption enhancer (optional but recommended).

– Equipment: Double boiler or oven, thermometer, glassware, whisk, mixing and pouring tools.

#### Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Work Area:

   – Clean and disinfect all glassware, molds, and equipment.

   – Ensure everything is completely dry, as any moisture can lead to contamination.

2. Measure the Ingredients:

   – Determine the ratio of active ingredient to base. A common beginner ratio is 1:1, with an upper limit of 2:1 (powder: base) to avoid crumbling.

   – Calculate the amount of base required based on the size of the suppository molds.

3. Melt the Base:

   – Melt the cocoa butter (or alternative base) gently in a double boiler or low-heat oven. Keep the temperature below 95°F (35°C) to preserve texture. If the cocoa butter becomes clear, it has overheated.

   – If using beeswax, melt it separately at 176°F (80°C), then allow it to cool to 95°F before combining with the base.

4. Combine the Powders:

   – Mix the active ingredient and any absorption enhancers in a dry glass container. Whisk carefully to blend without introducing air.

5. Blend and Fill:

   – Mix the melted base with the powder blend using an immersion blender or whisk. Pour the mixture into the molds using a disposable pipette or spouted container.

6. Cool and Store:

   – Let the suppositories cool at room temperature for an hour, then transfer them to the refrigerator to harden fully. Store them in a labeled, sealed container.

### How to Use Suppositories

#### Rectal Suppository Administration:

1. Preparation: Empty the bowels, if needed, and ensure the suppository is firm.

2. Insertion: Insert the suppository about 1-1.5 inches into the rectum, beyond the sphincter muscle. You can use a finger cot, gloves, or a suppository applicator.

3. Relaxation: Stay still for about 15 minutes to allow the suppository to dissolve.

#### Vaginal Suppository Administration:

1. Position: Lie on your back with knees bent or stand with one leg elevated.

2. Insertion: Use your fingers or an applicator to insert the suppository into the vagina.

3. Relax: Allow a few minutes for the suppository to melt.

### Common Uses for Suppositories

1. Medications:

   – Pain relief: NSAIDs or acetaminophen can be administered rectally.

   – Laxatives: Glycerin suppositories are common for constipation.

   – Hormone delivery: Vaginal suppositories are often used for hormone replacement therapy.

   – Anti-nausea: Medications for vomiting, such as ondansetron, can be administered rectally.

2. Supplements:

   – Vitamin D: Useful for individuals with absorption issues.

   – Magnesium: Can be delivered for muscle relaxation or deficiency.

   – Peptides: Glutathione, BPC-157, and other peptides can be used to promote healing and recovery.

—

### Suppository Bases and Additives

1. Cocoa Butter: Traditional and well-tolerated, but may leak unless combined with 13% beeswax for added firmness.

2. Witepsol: A synthetic alternative to cocoa butter, often used in commercial products.

3. Absorption Enhancers: Sucrose stearate or a blend of decanoic acid, L-taurine, and L-glutamine can improve absorption.

—

### Conclusion

Suppositories are an effective and discreet way to administer medications and supplements, offering a versatile and highly bioavailable delivery method. While they require some practice and careful preparation, the benefits they offer—particularly for those who struggle with oral or injectable medications—make them an excellent option for many therapeutic needs. By following careful steps in their preparation and administration, you can harness the power of this ancient and effective method.

Supplies needed:

1) A homogenizer. The best one is

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004893985373.html

2) Forms. Get metal or silicon multi-use ones, 3g or 1g

https://www.medtech3000.de/Zaepfchenform-Zaepfchenherstellung-180-Stueck-Zaepfchen::810.html

or 

https://www.brennessel-muenchen.de/verpackungs-und-labormaterial/zaepfchenformen-und-zubehoer/zaepfchenformen-1-g.html?type=N

3) Lab glasses starting from 50 ml to 100 or 150 ml with the end that allows to direct liquid pouring.

4) Fat base.

You can try to get hard fats like the best ones:

https://www.lga.fr/en/chemicals/180-5423-witepsol-pouring-wax-for-suppositories.html#/1064-packaging-box_of_1_kg

If you are going to use cocoa butter, you need to know that it leaks. You need something to increase melting temperature. Add 13% of pure beeswax. But it melts at 80 degrees and we don’t want to expose peptides to high temperature.

As an alternative, you can use raw cocoa butter with the emulsifier that is also absorption enhancer

https://www.alexmo-cosmetics.de/Sucrose-Stearate-MB-HLB-11_1

5) Absorption enhancers.

20 mg Decanoic acid

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184630902687

100 mg  L-TAURINE 100% PURE PHARMACEUTICAL

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/183448694530

100 mg L-GLUTAMINE POWDER

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182837526411

The whole process:

3g suppository holds around 2.7g of the mix after you make it. First try to mix enhancing absorber powders with fat and measure the weight of 1 suppository. Next extract the weight of the powder and you will get the weight of the fat you need for an suppository.

Get some pure alcohol with chlorhexidine (without water) sprayed on lab glass and inside the suppository forms. Wait when it dries.

Put hard fats into 100 ml glass and put to the oven on 50-60 degrees Celsius. Wait until it melts.

Prepare the mix of the enhancing absorption powders and peptide in 50ml glass.

Get the melted fat out of the oven. Make sure it is not hotter than 50 degrees. Put all your powder inside and homogenize.

Now start pouring liquid into the suppository forms. Homogenize after every 10 suppositories.

Let the result cool down on air. Don’t put it to the fridge.

Now if you want to freeze it, there is a tricky part: suppository may break if you use witespol and freeze too fast. You need to cool suppository to 0 degrees. And put it into the air isolated bottle and only then to the freezer.

But a normal fridge is fine.

And if you used water, freeze it or it gets mold later.