Meridian has been developing and manufacturing suppository products since 1993 and over the last 30 years has gained excellent expertise in this dosage form. In India, the Company markets a range of suppository products that are well-accepted by the medical community and regularly used by thousands of patients. Meridian also regularly exports 30 different suppository and pessary products to 35 countries worldwide.
We are one of the few factories having a fully automatic form fill seal machine from Italy for the production of suppositories & pessaries. Currently, we have two such machines in operation. Salient features of the machines:
- 5,000 suppositories/pessaries/ovules per hour through each machine
- Volume range for suppository/pessary/ovule: 0.2 – 4.0 ml.
- Packing material: PVC/PE & ALU/PE
A suppository is a unique dosage form designed for rectal administration. Rectal route is preferred over oral, injectable, and other dosage forms because (1)it is convenient to administer especially in elderly and children and in cases where oral administration is not possible such as nausea, vomiting, convulsions, induced sedation, etc; (2) it is better than injectables i.e. no pricks and no pain; (3) it minimizes side effects like gastric irritation, nausea, etc. and ensures better absorption as it avoids the first pass metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract; (4) it is Ideal for symptomatic relief from hemorrhoids and fissures owing to complete dose delivered locally, unlike creams and ointments which are applied through applicators; (5) quick in giving relief from constipation where the suppositories work within 30 minutes to 1 hour, unlike conventional oral laxatives which take 8-12 hours to work. Suppositories are also used for vaginal administration and are also known as vaginal suppositories or pessaries or ovules. Vaginal suppositories offer advantages over vaginal tablet pessaries in that they are easier to insert (it does not require an applicator) and retain for better results. Vaginal Suppositories dissolve faster thereby giving quick relief to the patient’s and are very useful in treating local fungal and bacterial conditions.
Globally suppositories are used for treating various ailments and has proved to be very effective dosage form.
Sizes of suppositories available:
The size is determined by the quantity of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and/or the age of patient (baby/infant/adult).
- Big size: Average weight of 3.00 gram
- Medium size: Average weight of 2.00 gram
- Small size: Average weight of 1.00 gram
We can customize the size as per customer requirements.
Types of packing available:
Blister packing:
This is the pack used widely all over the world. The packing material we use is PVC film laminated with PE or ALU film laminated with PE. The blisters are individually perforated so that each suppository can be removed easily with given “Peel Apart here” or “Tear off” instructions provided on the blister. Normally the blister pack contains 5 suppositories and such 2 blisters are further packed into a carton, such 10 cartons are packed in a shrink sleeve and further 30/40 shrinks of 10 cartons are packed in master corrugated shipper. Hence each master corrugated shipper contains 300 cartons of 2 x 5’s pack or 3000 suppositories of 3 gram/2gram and 400 cartons of 2 x 5’s pack or 4000 suppositories of 1 gram suppositories. However, we can supply different packing configurations as per customer requirements.
Bottle packing:
Bottle packing is ideal for regular use and bulk packing. Plastic bottles are normally used and contain 15 suppositories of 3 gm (big size), 25 Suppositories of 2 gm (medium size) or 50 suppositories of 1 gm (small), and these bottles are sealed with induction sealing aluminum wad. Such bottles are further packed into an inner E- Flute carton which holds 12 such filled bottles. 12 e-flute cartons are then finally packed into a master corrugated shipper. Hence each shipper contains approximately 144 bottles. We can provide bottles with a larger quantity of up to 100 suppositories per bottle as per the customer’s requirements.
For Rectal use
![]() | 1. Not to be taken by mouth. For rectal administration only. |
![]() | 2. First detach one suppository along perforation. Separate tabs at top opening (peel apart here) and pull downward from the pointed end to almost the full length of suppository. |
![]() | 3. In sleeping position, hold legs with hands, separate buttocks to expose rectak area and gently push the suppository well up into the rectum. |
![]() | 4. To ensure proper insertion, hold the buttock firmly for 2 to 3 minutes. |
![]() | 5. For grown up children suppository can be inserted in standing or sitting position. |
For Vaginal use
![]() | 1. Not to be taken by mouth. For vaginal administration only. |
![]() | 2. Tear off one pessary from strip along the perforation. Peel off the wrapper downward from pointed end. |
![]() | 3. Hold the pessary with your thumb and finger to prepare for insertion into the vagina. |
![]() | 4. Lift one leg and put to a stand or lie on your back. Bend the legs (lifting knees). Insert the vaginal pessary using the index finger. |
![]() | 5. Bring the legs together, stay lying on one side, at least 5 minutes to prevent coming out. |
![]() | 6. Discard used material and wash your hands throughly with soap and water. |
Note:
In case the suppository appears to have softened while in the pack, then keep it in a vertical position with the pointed end facing down in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before using it.
Useful advice:
- Ideally suppository should be inserted after passing stools.
- If after inserting the suppository, the stools are passed immediately and the suppository is ejected along with the stools, then the dosage should be repeated with one more suppository.
- Glycerin suppositories may not always melt completely and after a few minutes of retention may come out intact with the stools, in such case there is no need for another dose.
- Always use the medicine according to the printed label or as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.
- If suppository is accidentally swallowed, inform and visit your doctor immediately.