Anusol-HC Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Anusol-HC Cream contains hydrocortisone acetate, a topical corticosteroid. It is applied to the skin around the anus for short-term relief of itching, swelling, and irritation caused by hemorrhoids (piles) and similar conditions. It works by lowering inflammatory chemicals in the skin and is intended for external use only, for a limited number of days at a time.

What is Anusol-HC Cream

Anusol-HC Cream is a steroid medicine applied to the skin around the anus. It is used for short-term relief of itching, swelling, and irritation caused by hemorrhoids (piles) and similar conditions around the rectum.

Anusol-HC Cream uses

• Inflammatory skin conditions responsive to corticosteroids.
• Anal itching, when prescribed for that purpose.
• Irritation around the anal area, when appropriate for the formulation.
• Redness and inflammation of affected skin.
• Itchy skin rashes responsive to hydrocortisone.

Benefits of Anusol-HC Cream

• Reduces inflammation and swelling.
• Relieves itching and irritation.
• Soothes discomfort in affected skin.
• Helps calm redness.
• Improves comfort in corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions.

How Anusol-HC Cream works

This cream contains a mild steroid that lowers the amount of inflammatory chemicals in the skin, which reduces redness, itching, and swelling around the anus.

Anusol-HC Cream dosage

This cream is for use only on the skin around the outside of the anus. Do not insert it into the rectum unless your product and instructions specifically say to use a rectal applicator.

Wash the anal area and dry gently before applying. Wash your hands before and after use to avoid getting the medicine in your eyes.

Apply sparingly to the affected area as often as your doctor directs; many people use it at night, in the morning, and after each bowel movement.

Do not swallow this medicine — it is for external use only. Do not use for more than a few days in a row unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing after applying, as this may affect how the medicine is absorbed.

Not recommended for children under 18 years old. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream
• Ointment
• Suppository

Side effects of Anusol-HC Cream

Common

• Burning
• Itching
• Skin irritation
• Dry skin
• Rectal pain, redness, or other irritation
• Dryness or skin changes around the rectum

Serious

• Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe rectal pain or burning, bleeding from the rectum
• New or worsening rectal irritation
• Fever or other signs of infection
• Severe headaches, ringing in the ears, pain behind the eyes
• Fragile or thinning skin that bruises easily
• Skin infection - redness, swelling, warmth, or pain
• Small, red, pus-filled bumps on skin around hair follicles
• Withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly after long-term use: long-term fatigue, muscle weakness, poor appetite, weight loss, belly pain

Warnings and precautions

• If you are pregnant, only use this medicine if your doctor tells you to. Steroid creams should not be used over large areas, in large amounts, or for a long time during pregnancy.
• It is not known for certain whether this medicine passes into breast milk in amounts that could affect a baby, so caution is advised, and some sources advise against breastfeeding while using it.
• Using this medicine for a long time, using more than recommended, or covering the area with a bandage can stop your body from making its own steroid hormones. Stopping suddenly after long-term use can cause withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, low energy, and nausea. Don't stop using it suddenly without talking to your doctor.
• Using this medicine for a long time raises the risk of fungal or bacterial skin infections. Do not use it if you already have a skin infection, as it can make it worse.
• Using this medicine for longer than directed can irritate the skin, causing thinning skin, stretch marks, spider veins, burning, itching, dryness, inflamed hair follicles, color changes, or rash.
• Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients, or if you have fungal, viral, or bacterial skin sores.
• Do not use for more than 7 days in a row unless your doctor tells you otherwise, since excessive or long-term use can thin the skin, give it a stripy appearance, affect blood vessels, or cause adrenal suppression.

Storage

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not store above 25°C
• Do not use your medicine after the expiry date shown on the carton and tube
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste; ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use
• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if you have severe rectal pain or burning, rectal bleeding, worsening rectal irritation, fever or other signs of infection, or severe headaches, ringing in the ears, or pain behind the eyes.
• Talk to your doctor if you have rectal bleeding that hasn't been diagnosed as piles, or if your symptoms haven't improved or have gotten worse after 7 days of use.
• Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.
• If anyone swallows this medicine by accident, contact a doctor or go to your nearest emergency department, bringing the leaflet and pack with you.

Alternatives

• Anugesic-HC Cream
• Proctosedyl Cream
• Hydrocortisone Cream