How to give a rectal suppository

Suppositories help when a patient cannot swallow or is vomiting, and they are used for constipation and fever. Correct depth and position keep the drug in place so it can work.

What you need

• Suppository
• Gloves
• Water-soluble lubricant
• Absorbent pad

Step by step

1. Identify and screen

   Use two identifiers. Check for recent rectal surgery, rectal bleeding or a very low platelet or white cell count, and ask the prescriber if present. [1]

2. Explain and give privacy

   Tell the patient what you will do, close the curtain and cover them with a sheet. [2]

3. Position

   Place the patient on the left side with the top knee bent toward the chest. This follows the natural curve of the rectum. [2]

4. Lubricate

   Put on gloves. Unwrap the suppository and coat the rounded tip and your gloved finger with water-soluble lubricant. [2]

5. Insert

   Ask the patient to breathe out slowly. Insert the suppository, tip first, past the internal sphincter and against the wall of the rectum, not into stool. [3]

6. Ask the patient to hold it

   The patient should stay lying down and hold it for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep the call light within reach. [3]

7. Document the result

   Record the time, the drug and the effect, such as a bowel movement or a drop in fever. [2]

Common errors

• Pushing the suppository into a mass of stool.
• Not using lubricant, causing pain and injury.
• Missing contraindications such as recent rectal surgery.

Sources

1. The Joint Commission, National Patient Safety Goals
2. Open RN, Nursing Skills 2e (Chippewa Valley Technical College) (CC BY 4.0)
3. Open RN, Nursing Pharmacology 2e (CC BY 4.0)

Steps adapted from Open RN, Nursing Pharmacology 2e and Open RN, Nursing Skills 2e (Chippewa Valley Technical College), licensed under CC BY 4.0. VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.