1. Rectal, Vaginal, Intrauterine drug delivery

What is a suppository?

A solid, bullet or torpedo-shaped dosage form that melts or dissolves at body temperature or in rectal fluid.

Define "Pessary" and its typical weight.

A vaginally used semi-solid medical preparation with an almond shape, typically weighing 3.0–4.0 g.

What is a "Bacillus urethralis"?

An urethral stick; a thin medical stick (max 3 mm thick) placed in the urethra for local effect.

What are the three categories of suppository base materials?

Lipophilic, Lipohydrophilic, and Hydrophilic.

What are 3 advantages of rectal administration?

Rapid absorption, avoidance of the "first-pass effect" (bypasses the liver), and suitability for unconscious patients or children.

What is the normal pH and volume of rectal juice?

pH is 7.3–7.7; volume is only 2–5 ml.

What ensures the rapid absorption of drugs in the rectum?

A smooth surface that is richly vascularized.

What is the natural pH of the vagina and what maintains it?

pH is 4–5; maintained by Döderlein-fluor (Lactobacillus acidophylus).

What is the main disadvantage of using Cocoa Butter (Butyrum cacao)?

Polymorphism (it has multiple melting points depending on how it is heated) and a tendency to become rancid.

When is Adeps solidus compositus preferred?

When fast absorption is needed or when the API dissolves poorly in intestinal fluids (e.g., painkillers).

Why is Massa macrogoli useful for vaginal preparations?

It does not melt at body temperature but dissolves in fluids, meaning it doesn't cause unpleasant waxy leakage.

Define the "Displacement Factor" (f).

The amount (weight) of base material that is displaced by a specific amount of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).

What is the Pearl Index and duration of the Mirena® IUD?

Pearl Index: 0.2% (1st year) to 0.7% (5 years); Duration: Up to 5 years.

What is the active ingredient in Canesten® vaginal tablets and its indication?

Clotrimazole; used to treat infections caused by Candida albicans.

How long can an elastic vaginal ring (e.g., Estring®) remain active?

3 months

Give an example of a rectal foam and its use.

Budesonide (Budenofalk); used for ulcerative colitis localized in the rectum/colon.

What is the difference between "Dispensed" and "Divided" prescriptions?

Dispensed: Ingredients listed for ONE dose.

Divided: Ingredients listed for the total amount, then divided into equal parts.

What is the formula for calculating the necessary amount of base (Tm)?

Tm = (E ×n) - (f × s), where E is the mass of a pure base suppository and s is the mass of the API.