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

Quick overview

Anusol-HC Suppository (hydrocortisone acetate rectal) is a corticosteroid used for short-term relief of itching, swelling, or irritation caused by hemorrhoids and other conditions around the anus and rectum. It works by reducing inflammation in the rectal area and is available as a suppository and as a cream. It is intended for short-term use and comes with specific precautions and possible side effects.

What is Anusol-HC Suppository

Anusol-HC is a steroid medicine (suppository) used for short-term relief of itching, swelling, or irritation caused by hemorrhoids and other conditions around the anus and rectum.

Anusol-HC Suppository uses

• Internal haemorrhoids (piles)
• Anal itching (pruritus ani)
• Proctitis (inflammation of the rectum)
• Anal fissures, when indicated for the specific product
• Inflammation following anorectal surgery, when prescribed

Benefits of Anusol-HC Suppository

• Reduces inflammation and swelling
• Relieves anal itching and irritation
• Soothes soreness and discomfort
• Helps make bowel movements more comfortable
• Provides relief from irritation associated with haemorrhoids

How Anusol-HC Suppository works

This medicine is a steroid that reduces inflammation in the rectal area. It lowers the activity of substances in the body that cause redness, itching, and swelling, which helps relieve hemorrhoid and rectal inflammation symptoms.

Anusol-HC Suppository dosage

Try to have a bowel movement and empty your bladder before inserting the suppository. Wash your hands before and after use. Remove the wrapper before inserting the suppository.

While lying on your side with knees bent, insert the suppository slowly, pointed end first. The suppository melts at body temperature, so consider wearing gloves to avoid it melting in your hand. After inserting, stay in the same position for about 5 minutes to help your body absorb the medicine.

The suppository may stain clothing or fabric, so consider using disposable underwear or panty liners. This medicine is for rectal use only — do not take it by mouth. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. It is not recommended for use in children without medical advice.

Available forms and strengths

• Suppository
• Cream

Side effects of Anusol-HC Suppository

Common

• Burning
• Itching
• Irritation
• Dryness around the rectum
• Skin changes around the rectum
• Infected hair follicles
• Loss of skin pigmentation
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Secondary infection

Serious

• 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
• Sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness or passing out
• Confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors
• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Warnings and precautions

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medicine. It is not known how it affects an unborn baby, and this type of drug should not be used in large amounts or for a long time during pregnancy.
• You should not breastfeed while using this medicine, as it is not known if it passes into breast milk.
• Stop using and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 7 days.
• Consult a healthcare professional before use if you have unexplained rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.
• Do not use if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any ingredient in the suppository.
• Avoid use if you have fungal, viral, or bacterial sores or infections in the affected area.
• Do not use this medicine without a proper examination by your doctor first to confirm it is right for your condition.
• Do not use if you have a skin infection, including fungal, viral, or tubercular infections in the area, as the steroid can make infections worse.
• Using this medicine for a long time or in large amounts can cause your body to stop making its own steroid hormones (adrenal suppression). Don't stop using it suddenly without talking to your provider, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, low energy, and nausea.
• Using this medicine for a long time can raise your risk of fungal or bacterial infection.
• Using more than directed can irritate your skin, causing thinning, stretch marks, spider veins, burning, itching, dryness, or rash.
• Steroid-containing haemorrhoid products like this one are usually limited to a short course of about 7 days unless a clinician tells you otherwise.
• Using this with other steroid medicines, or with certain other drugs, can increase the risk of whole-body steroid side effects.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
• Do not freeze
• Store away from heat
• Keep out of sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date
• Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, trouble breathing, or loss of consciousness.
• Speak to a doctor before using this medicine if you have rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, as this needs to be checked rather than just treated with this medicine.
• Seek urgent advice if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, a new lump, or symptoms that get worse quickly.
• Call your doctor right away if you have severe rectal pain or burning, bleeding from the rectum, new or worsening rectal irritation, fever or other signs of infection, or severe headaches, ringing in the ears, or pain behind the eyes.
• If you don't notice improvement within 7 days of using the suppository, or if your symptoms come back quickly, stop and seek advice rather than continuing to treat yourself.
• If you notice blurred vision or other visual changes while using this medicine, seek medical advice.

Alternatives

• Proctofoam-HC
• Anugesic-HC Suppository
• Anusol Plus HC Suppository