RECTAL DRUG DELIVERY TO PAEDIATRIC POPULATION

Abstract

Despite its unpopularity, the rectal route of paediatric drug administration remains of interest especially in pre-school children as it can overcome some drug delivery challenges with oral and parenteral routes. Few studies have been conducted on the use and acceptability of traditional rectal dosage forms (i.e., suppositories, enemas and gels) in different parts of the world. It showed that barrier to adoption could be linked with poor knowledge, little information and understanding of this administration modality.
Reformulation for the rectal delivery of drugs intended for oral and/or parenteral administration that do not reach their full potential, was explored by a study at University College London. The top 3 candidates were Azithromycin, Amodiaquine and Raltegravir. Little rectal delivery innovation has occurred but topics such as acceptability and use of rectal drug delivery; types of rectal dosage forms and reformulation considerations are discussed presently in order to raise awareness around the need to modernise rectal dosage forms this to achieve the full potential for successful reformulation.