Suppository Testing

Welcome to the Suppository Testing section of our web site. Please select one of the categories below for further information:

Vaginal Tablet Tester Model VTT

The Vaginal Tablet Tester Model VTT is specially designed for the testing of vaginal tablets.

The VTT utilised the same sample holder as the Suppository tester Model SDT 1000, in accordance with Ph. Eur. Chapter 2.9.2. It is combined with a low form beaker and heater/stirrer unit.

Suppository Tester Model SDT 1000

The Suppository Tester Model SDT 1000 s a single stage unit which has been designed in accordance with the specifications as laid down in the European Pharmacopoeia Test 2.9.2 for the disintegration of suppositories, pessaries and vaginal tablets and with suitable attachments 2.9.22.-2 Apparatus 2 for measuring the softening time of lipophilic suppositories.

The disintegration test station is made up of a 60 mm long acrylic cylinder having an internal diameter of 52 mm into which is inserted the sample holder containing the sample under test.

Introduction to Suppository Testing

The suppository is a more common and accepted dosage form in Europe than in the USA. This probably explains why pharmacopoeial references to specific test methods relating to suppositories and associated dosage forms are in the main confined to the European Pharmacopoeia.

Hydrophilic suppositories are made from a water soluble base such as polyethylene glycol which dissolves in the rectal or vaginal fluids. The rate of drug release (dissolution) of such suppositories can be measured using the standard paddle, basket or flow through methods described in USP Chapter <711> and Ph. Eur. 2.9.3.