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Updated: Aug 22, 2026

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
06:59

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

Published on: November 9, 2016

Rectal route in the 21st Century to treat children

Vincent Jannin1, Gilles Lemagnen2, Pascale Gueroult2

  • 1Gattefossé S.A.S., 36 chemin de Genas, 69804 Saint-Priest cedex, France.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|May 30, 2014
PubMed

Insights

The rectal route offers a safe and cost-effective alternative for pediatric drug delivery, especially in emergencies. Further education for caregivers is crucial for wider adoption of these rectal dosage forms.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • The oral route presents challenges in pediatric drug administration, including swallowing difficulties and taste masking.
  • Rectal dosage forms offer a viable alternative for pediatric patients, particularly in emergency situations or when oral intake is compromised.
  • Manufacturing rectal formulations is generally low-cost, utilizing excipients with a good safety profile.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the advantages and challenges of rectal drug administration in pediatrics.
  • To explore novel formulation strategies aimed at improving patient acceptability of rectal dosage forms.
  • To compile a comprehensive list of drugs available in pediatric rectal formulations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on pediatric rectal drug administration.
  • Analysis of formulation strategies, including mucoadhesive gels and suppositories.
  • Compilation of data on marketed pediatric rectal products and drugs used in clinical studies.

Main Results:

  • Rectal administration bypasses swallowing and taste-masking issues, making it suitable for children.
  • Rectal dosage forms are effective in emergency scenarios for unconscious or vomiting children.
  • Newer formulations like mucoadhesive gels enhance patient acceptability.
  • Clinical studies confirm the therapeutic equivalence of the rectal route compared to other administration routes.

Conclusions:

  • The rectal route is a promising and practical option for pediatric drug delivery.
  • Increased education for parents and caregivers is essential to promote the use of rectal formulations.
  • This review provides a valuable resource on pediatric rectal drug forms and their applications.

Keywords:
Hard fatMalariaMarketPaediatricPatient-centred drug deliverySuppository

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