Anusol Plus HC Ointment

Anusol Plus HC ointment and suppositories relieve the symptoms of haemorrhoids and anal itching.

Manufactured by McNeil, it is available as Anusol HC plus suppositories and as an ointment.

The ointment treats both internal and external haemorrhoids, while the suppositories are only for internal haemorrhoids or itching.

Anusol Plus HC ointment and suppositories contain the following active ingredients: hydrocortisone acetate, benzyl benzoate, bismuth subgallate, bismuth oxide, zinc oxide and balsam peru.

Hydrocortisone acetate is a corticosteroid. It reduces inflammation, which minimizes swelling and itching.
Bismuth oxide, balsam peru, bismuth subgallate and zinc oxide have mild antiseptic, protective and astringent properties. Balsam peru is also believed to encourage the growth of new skin cells.

When Anusol Plus HC is administered into or around the back-passage (rectum), it eases the discomfort caused by haemorrhoids and other anal irritations.

Anusol Plus HC should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding unless it has been prescribed by a doctor. Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Anusol Plus HC is not known to affect other medications. However, if you already take other medications, especially other corticosteroids for inflammatory bowel disease, eczema asthma, or hay fever, check with your pharmacist before using Anusol Plus HC.

Haemorrhoids is a common condition that will affect approximately 40 percent of people at some point in their lives, usually over age 45.

The condition is characterised by varicose veins developing inside the rectum or anal. This leads to swelling, an uncomfortable or itchy sensation, inflammation, and slight bleeding when going to the toilet.

Haemorrhoids occur due to increased pressure in the blood vessels surrounding the anal region. Those who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop haemorrhoids, as are people who sit for long periods. They may also occur due to constipation or diarrhoea. The condition, however, is not serious, and symptoms may pass within a few days. But those who experience bleeding during a bowel movement should visit their doctor, as it may indicate a more serious illness.

Haemorrhoid prevention methods include: diet modification, for example eating more fibre to reduce constipation; weight loss and light exercise to lower blood pressure. These steps alone will not always clear or reduce haemorrhoids. In such cases, medication may be necessary to ease discomfort.

If you are constipated, a laxative may prevent straining and help regulate your bowel movements. Bulk forming laxatives like Fybogel can help.

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

• Pregnant ladies should consult their GP before using this medicine.
• If the condition does not improve, or if you suffer from haemorrhoids regularly or if rectal bleeding occurs talk to your doctor.

Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using this medication.

Anusol Plus HC suppositories: insert one suppository into the rectum in the morning, at night and after a bowel movement. Don't exceed three suppositories in a day.

Anusol Plus HC ointment: Apply a small amount of ointment after a bowel movement, in the morning and evening. Don't exceed four applications in a day.

You can apply a thin amount of the ointment externally over the anal area, or use the included nozzle to insert the ointment into the rectum.

To apply the ointment into the rectum, attach the included nozzle onto the tube. Insert the nozzle gently into the rectum and press out a small amount of ointment. Withdraw the nozzle slowly. Thoroughly clean the nozzle after each use.

Don't use Anusol Plus HC ointment or suppositories for longer than seven days. Talk to your doctor if you still have symptoms after this time.

The active ingredients contained in this medicine is/are:

Hydrocortisone Acetate 0.25 g, Zinc Oxide 10.75 g, Bismuth Subgallate 2.25 g, Balsam Peru 1.875 g, Bismuth Oxide 0.875 g and Benzyl Benzoate 1.25 g.

The medicine also contains the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product:

Magnesium Stearate, Cocoa Butter, Lanolin Anhydrous, Castor Oil, Kaolin Light, Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate and Petroleum Jelly White.

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take medication, however if you do they can include:

Rarely there are sensitivity reactions.

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.