ABSTRACT
This chapter describes ocular inserts and factors influencing ocular drug absorption. Inserts, implants, and devices represent pharmaceutical interventions in healthy and/or disease states that may be used to improve health and/or promote quality of life. Inserts, as the name implies, are drug delivery systems that are designed for insertion into one or the other body cavity, such as vagina, rectum, buccal cavity, or the cul-de-sac of the eye, in the patient. Ocular inserts reduce systemic absorption of topically applied drugs as a result of decreased drainage into the nasal cavity. A suppository is a solid dosage form designed for easy insertion into body orifices of rectum, vagina, or urethra. Suppositories are used for local or systemic effects. Most suppositories consist of a drug substance dissolved or dispersed in a matrix, termed as a suppository base. Formulation considerations for suppository manufacturing include a careful consideration of density, because suppository molds are volume filled, whereas the formulation composition is weight based.
