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Suppository bases are vehicles that carry the active ingredients in suppositories.
They are classified into two main categories: lipophilic (fat-soluble) and hydrophilic (water-soluble).
The choice of base depends on factors such as drug solubility, stability, and release characteristics.
1) Lipophilic Bases
A. Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Oil)
A natural fat from cocoa beans, widely used in suppositories.
Melts at 34-36°C, just below body temperature, releasing the drug upon insertion.
Primarily used for rectal suppositories, but also suitable for vaginal use.
B. Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils
Examples: palm kernel oil, cottonseed oil.
Similar melting points to cocoa butter but may offer better stability and drug compatibility.
C. Fatty Acid Esters
Examples: glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl monopalmitate.
Synthetic bases with varying melting points, chosen for specific drug release profiles.
2) Hydrophilic Bases
A. Glycerinated Gelatin
A mixture of gelatin and glycerin (1:2 ratio).
Absorbs water, swells, and releases the drug.
Suitable for vaginal and urethral suppositories.
B. Polyethylene Glycols (PEGs)
Water-soluble polymers available in various molecular weights.
Dissolve or erode in body fluids, releasing the drug.
Used for flexible control of melting point and drug release.
C. Poloxamers
Nonionic surfactants with thermoreversible gelation (gel at body temperature).
High water content, ideal for vaginal or rectal use.
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