What form of drug delivery is typically associated with suppositories?

The form of drug delivery typically associated with suppositories is rectal or vaginal administration. Suppositories are formulated to be inserted into the body through the rectum or vagina, where they dissolve and release medication for systemic absorption or localized effects. This method is particularly useful for patients who may experience difficulties with oral medications due to nausea, vomiting, or inability to swallow.

In addition, rectal administration can provide a bypass of the first-pass metabolism that occurs when drugs are metabolized in the liver before reaching systemic circulation. Vaginal suppositories similarly provide a direct route for both systemic and local therapeutic effects, used in the treatment of conditions such as yeast infections or hormone replacement therapy.

Other forms of delivery, such as transdermal, inhalation therapy, and injection, involve different routes and mechanisms of drug administration and absorption that do not apply to the use of suppositories. Transdermal delivery refers to medications applied to the skin for absorption into systemic circulation, inhalation therapy involves drugs delivered through the respiratory tract, and injections involve direct administration into the body via a syringe. Each of these methods presents distinct advantages and limitations as compared to the rectal or vaginal routes used with suppositories.