Short-term relief (five to seven days) from the symptoms of piles (haemorrhoids) and anal itching.
How does it work?
- Proctosedyl ointment and suppositories contain two active ingredients, cinchocaine hydrochloride and hydrocortisone.
- Cinchocaine is a type of medicine called a local anaesthetic. It works by temporarily blocking the pathway of pain messages along nerve fibres. This numbs sensation in the area where the medicine has been applied and produces relief from pain and itching.
- Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine called a corticosteriod and is used for reducing inflammation. Inflammation is caused by the release of various substances that are important in the immune system. These substances cause blood vessels to widen, resulting in the irritated area becoming red, swollen, itchy and painful. Hydrocortisone works by acting inside cells to decrease the production of these substances.
How do I use it?
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying this medicine.
- Proctosedyl ointment and suppositories should be used after the bowels have been emptied. The area around the anus should be thoroughly washed and dried before using this preparation.
- Proctosedyl ointment can both be used internally or externally for the anal area. For application into the back passage, a nozzle provided with the ointment should be screwed on to the tube. The nozzle should then be gently inserted in to the rectum and a small amount of ointment squeezed out. The nozzle should be withdrawn slowly. The nozzle should be thoroughly cleaned after each use.
- Proctosedyl suppositories are to be inserted into the rectum only.
- Proctosedyl preparations should be used in the morning, at night and after each bowel movement. The suppositories can be used together with the ointment if required.
Not to be used in
- Thin, easily damaged skin (atrophic skin).
- Untreated bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic (eg worm) infections.
- Children.
- This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. Corticosteroids can be absorbed into the bloodstream after application to the anus or rectum and may be harmful to a developing baby. This medicine should not be used during pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
- There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. However, it has been used for many years in women who are breastfeeding and is not known to be harmful. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Irritation of the back passage.
- Skin rashes.
Side effects similar to those associated with corticosteroids taken by mouth may occur if this medicine is absorbed into the blood stream. This is unlikely unless the medicine is used at high doses for prolonged periods of time.
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
- This medicine is not known to affect any other medicines. However, as with all medicines, if you are already taking any other medicines you should always check with your pharmacist before taking this one as well.
References:
https://allergan-web-cdn-prod.azureedge.net/allergancanadaspecialty/allergancanadaspecialty/media/actavis-canada-specialty/en/products/pms/proctosedyl-pi-supp-oint-15g-30g-26apr2012-eng.pdf
https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/digestion/a7401/proctosedyl-ointment-suppositories-cinchocaine-hydrocortisone/
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/105/pil
https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/2199996.PA0540_062_001.2879b853-6ab9-4cee-9a46-c8ddeb726099.000001Product%20Leaflet%20Approved.171129.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proctosedyl
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