Hemorrhoidal Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Hemorrhoidal Cream contains phenylephrine, a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels. It is applied to the rectal area to relieve itching, burning, irritation, and swelling caused by hemorrhoids. It is available in several forms, including cream, gel, ointment, and suppository.

What is Hemorrhoidal Cream

Hemorrhoidal Cream is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels. Dilated blood vessels can cause hemorrhoids. It is used on the rectum to relieve itching, burning, irritation, and swelling caused by hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoidal Cream uses

• Internal hemorrhoids (with an appropriate applicator)
• External hemorrhoids
• Anal itching
• Anal irritation
• Burning or discomfort around the anus
• Swelling associated with hemorrhoids

Benefits of Hemorrhoidal Cream

• Helps relieve itching and irritation
• Soothes discomfort around the anus
• May reduce swelling
• Helps ease burning sensations
• Provides temporary relief from hemorrhoid symptoms

How Hemorrhoidal Cream works

Hemorrhoidal Cream is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels. Dilated blood vessels can cause hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoidal Cream dosage

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. You may use it up to 4 times daily, especially after a bowel movement. Do not place the cream, gel, or ointment inside your rectum — these forms are for use only on the area around and just outside the rectum. Only the rectal suppository should be placed into the rectum. Do not take the rectal suppository by mouth; it is for use only in the rectum.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if they get worse. Always ask a doctor before using this medicine on a child, and do not give it to a child younger than 2 years old. When using a product with an applicator, clean the affected area with a cleansing wipe before using the medicine, when practical.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream
• Gel
• Ointment
• Suppository
• Wipes
• Spray

Side effects of Hemorrhoidal Cream

Common

• Mild burning or irritation
• Itching
• Redness
• Dryness
• Local discomfort

Serious

• Rectal bleeding
• Severe irritation inside or around the rectum
• Signs of increased blood pressure such as severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in the neck or ears, anxiety, or nosebleed
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Rash, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, with or without fever
• Wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, or unusual hoarseness

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to phenylephrine, an ingredient often used in certain cold or allergy medicines.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, an enlarged prostate or urination problems, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder.
• Always ask a doctor before using this medicine on a child, and do not give it to a child younger than 2 years old.
• Do not use more than 4 times per day.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other over-the-counter medicines that may contain similar ingredients.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine with blood pressure medication or an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.
• Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding. Avoid prolonged use of steroid-containing creams.
•  Do not use on infected or severely damaged skin without medical advice. Use only as directed on the product label. Consult a doctor if rectal bleeding or pain persists.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using the medicine and call your doctor right away if you have rectal bleeding, severe irritation inside or around your rectum, or signs of increased blood pressure like severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in the neck or ears, anxiety, or nosebleed.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if they get worse.
• If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center.
• Stop using the product and call your health care provider if you have rectal bleeding, your condition worsens or does not improve within seven days, or if you have new or worsening redness, irritation, swelling, or pain.

Alternatives

• Procto-Med HC
• Anusol Cream
• Preparation H