Proctosedyl Ointment

Proctosedyl is a prescription-only ointment used for the short‑term relief of haemorrhoid symptoms such as itching, irritation, pain, swelling and discharge.

It’s suitable for application to the skin around your anus. If you experience internal haemorrhoids, you can apply Proctosedyl internally using the applicator provided.

How Does Proctosedyl Work?

Its dual-action formula enables Proctosedyl to combat the symptoms of piles while also relieving the inflammation that causes them.

It contains hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory properties. This calms your body's immune response by blocking chemicals like histamine, which cause inflammation.

It also contains cinchocaine hydrochloride. This is a local anaesthetic that numbs the area and helps to reduce the painful spasms that can make piles so intolerable.

These ingredients work together to provide relief while your piles heal naturally.

Alternatives to Proctosedyl

Proctosedyl ointment can be used to help manage and treat both internal and external piles, Uniroid HC Ointment is a direct alternative to this treatment. For further details on prescription-only treatments please take a look at our Advice for Haemorrhoids page.

Alternate OTC (over the counter) Medication

There are many OTC medicines available from ourselves and your local pharmacy to buy, these may be all you need, so you should try these first before moving onto a prescription only medications, here is a list of a couple that are commonly stocked.

• Ansusol Cream
• Anusol HC Ointment & Suppositories
• Germoloids Cream & Ointment
• Preparation H

How To Use Proctosedyl

Always use Proctosedyl as directed by a member of our clinical team.

Wash your hands before and after applying Proctosedyl ointment.

Apply a thin layer to the affected area with your finger in the morning and evening and after each bowel movement, unless directed otherwise.

For internal piles, screw on the plastic nozzle, insert gently into your anus and squeeze as you slowly withdraw the nozzle.

Do not use the ointment on any other area of your body. Do not use it for longer than seven days unless otherwise directed. Remember to clean the applicator after every use.

Ingredients

The active ingredients of Proctosedyl ointment are hydrocortisone (5mg) and cinchocaine hydrochloride (5mg).

Other inactive ingredients include wool fat (lanolin), liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin. These give Proctosedyl ointment its soothing base.

Side Effects

Like all medications, Proctosedyl has some risk of side effects. These are usually mild and temporary and not everyone will experience them.

Some people may experience a mild, short‑lived stinging or irritation in the area where they apply the ointment.

With prolonged or heavy use, corticosteroids can thin your skin or affect its colour. This is why you should not use Proctosedyl for longer than directed.

In some rare cases, visual symptoms such as blurred vision can occur.

If this occurs or if you notice signs of allergic reaction, including rashes, stinging, difficulty swallowing or swelling of your lips, face, mouth or tongue, stop using this ointment immediately and speak to a member of our clinical team.

Warnings

You should not order this medicine online and see your doctor if:

• You are allergic (hypersensitive) to cinchocaine hydrochloride, hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients of Proctosedyl ointment. Signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue.
• You have any kind of infection.

Do not use this medicine if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Proctosedyl.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

This medicine is unsuitable to order online if:

• You are pregnant, might become pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• You are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed

Ask your doctor or midwife for advice before taking any medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Before using this medication please ensure you have read the Patient Information Leaflet contained with the product packaging thoroughly.