Administration per rectum allows to achieve not only a local (e.g., treatment of hemorrhoids) but also a systemic effect of administrated drugs (especially pain therapy). To achieve a pharmacological effect, the active ingredients must be formulated into suitable dosage forms.
Rectal dosage forms can be classified into liquids (solutions, suspensions, foams), semi-solids (ointments and creams), and solids (powders/tablets for the preparation of solutions/suspensions and suppositories). This article aims to introduce rectal medical preparations available on the Czech market and point out the basic principles of their proper application, which is necessary to maximize the effectiveness of treatment and support patient compliance.