Ingredient: Petrolatum, mineral oil, hydrocortisone, pramoxine HCl, or phenylephrine HCl.
Ointment: Petrolatum 74.9%, mineral oil 14%, and phenylephrine HCl 0.25%.
Suppositories: Cocoa butter 88.44%, phenylephrine HCl 0.25%.
Maximum Strength Pain Relief Cream: Petrolatum 15%, glycerin 14.4%, pramoxine HCl 1%, phenylephrine HCl 0.25%.
Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream: 1% hydrocortisone.
Cooling Gel: Phenylephrine 0.25% and witch hazel 50%.
Cleansing Wipes: 50% witch hazel.
For the temporary relief of symptoms of hemorrhoids: Apply regular cream or ointment freely to the affected area OR insert a suppository into the rectum as needed. May be repeated for a total of 3-5 treatments a day. Optimum treatment times are at bedtime and after bowel movements. Cleansing pads and tissues should be used after bowel movements. Blotting the area instead of rubbing will lesson irritation.
For the temporary relief of external anal itch and itching associated with minor skin irritations and rashes (hydrocortisone cream only): Apply 3-4 times a day after cleansing and drying affected areas.
Pharmacology:
Petrolatum and mineral oil are used externally as protectants. Witch hazel is an astringent that protects the hemorrhoidal tissue and provides relief from irritation. Phenylephrine is a α-adrenergic sympathomimetic that helps to minimize inflammation or swelling of anal tissue. Hydrocortisone is an adrenocorticoid binding to receptor proteins within the cytoplasm of sensitive cells to alter the transcription of mRNA. Anti-inflammatory effects may be due to an inhibition of the mobilization of leukocytes and monocytes to the affected area.
Evaluation:
The symptom of uncomplicated hemorrhoids includes itching, burning, painful inflammation, and discomfort in the anal region. Minor blood spots on undergarments or toilet tissue may also appear. Bleeding upon defecation, severe pain, or seepage of fecal matter may be signs of a more serious anorectal disease. Patients should consult a physician if these symptoms appear. Precipitating factors for development of hemorrhoids includes prolonged standing or sitting, constipation, pregnancy, diarrhea, stimulant-laxative abuse, coughing or sneezing, heart failure or hypertension, and physical exertion.
Contraindications/Precautions:
Do not use if rectal bleeding is apparent. Conditions involving lesions with or without the formation of pus should not be treated without first consulting a physician. If condition does not improve within 7 days or becomes worse, consult a physician. Do not put the hydrocortisone cream into the rectum by any means.
Adverse Effects:
Rare beyond the symptoms being treated.
Consult a physician if condition does not improve within 7 days or becomes worse.
If the hemorrhoids are caused by constipation, try taking a bulk laxative and drinking plenty of waters.
Optimum treatment times are at bedtime and after bowel movements.
Remove suppositories from wrapper before inserting.
Consult a physician if the insertion of the cream, ointment, or suppository into the rectum causes pain.
Proper hygiene is helpful including washing the affected area with a mild soap and rinsing with water.