The design for the rectal rocket originated with compounding pharmacist Robert Boudreaux in Lake Charles, Louisiana during the late 1960's. The first molds were made of aluminum and produced only six suppositories. Referred to by physicians as "Robert's Rocket", these new suppositories were not widely accepted, primarily for their unusual (i.e. humorous) shape.

In the 1990's, PCCA (Professional Compounding Centers of America) redesigned the mold and began distributing the new molds to its member pharmacies.