The act of administering medication rectally is a specific method of drug delivery. This technique involves inserting a drug, often in suppository form, into the rectum. The rectal mucosa, rich in blood vessels, facilitates absorption of the medication into the bloodstream. This route can be particularly advantageous when oral administration is not feasible due to factors such as nausea, vomiting, or unconsciousness.
This method offers several benefits in certain clinical scenarios. It can bypass the first-pass metabolism in the liver, potentially leading to higher bioavailability of the drug. Furthermore, rectal administration can be useful in pediatric patients or individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills. Historically, it has served as a vital alternative route for delivering medications when other options are limited or contraindicated.
