Analpram HC (Pramoxine/HC)

(℞) Prescription Required

Analpram HC (Hydrocortisone Acetate, Pramoxine Hydrochloride) Dosage and Side Effects

Pramoxine is an anesthetic. It works by interfering with pain signals sent from the nerves to the brain.

Hydrocortisone is a steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling.

The combination of hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical is used to treat pain, itching, or inflammation of the skin caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, and minor burns or scrapes. This medication is also used on the rectal area to treat itching and inflammation caused by hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or other rectal irritation.

Proper Use of this medication

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical is usually applied 3 or more times daily, depending on which form of this medication you use. Follow the label directions or your doctor's instructions about how much of this medication to use and how often. Do not use hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical for any condition that has not been checked by a doctor.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication, unless you are using hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical to treat a hand condition.

When using this medication on the skin, apply just enough of the medication to cover the area to be treated. Rub in gently.

Avoid using this medication on your face, near your eyes or mouth, or on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with hydrocortisone topical can increase the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Before apply the rectal form of this medication (cream, lotion, or foam), clean the rectal area with mild soap and pat dry.

Use only a small amount of medicine when applying hydrocortisone and pramoxine around the outside of the rectum. You may first place the medicine onto a clean tissue and then wipe it gently onto your rectum.

When using this medication inside the rectum, insert only the applicator tip of the medicine tube or foam can into the anus, no deeper than 1 inch.

Shake the hydrocortisone and pramoxine rectal foam before each use.

Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using this medication for several days, or if your condition clears up and then comes back.

Do not stop using hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using the medication.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the rectal foam canister away from open flame or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;

  • uneven heartbeats;

  • sleep problems (insomnia);

  • ongoing headache;

  • weight gain, puffiness in your face;

  • increased thirst or urination, weight loss, unusual weakness;

  • fever, sore throat, tired feeling;

  • severe pain, burning, or irritation of treated skin;

  • rectal bleeding;

  • any new redness or swelling where the medicine was applied; or

  • itching, oozing, or other signs of infection.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • mild skin redness, burning, itching, dryness, or peeling;

  • acne;

  • changes in the color of treated skin;

  • thinning of your skin;

  • blistering skin; or

  • stretch marks.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings and Precautions

Avoid using this medication on your face, near your eyes, or on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical on deep skin wounds, blistered skin, severe burns, irritated skin, or large skin areas. Also avoid using this medication in open wounds.

Avoid applying other skin medications on the same treatment area with hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical, unless your doctor has told you to.

Using a steroid can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chicken pox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicines.

Interactions with this medication

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied hydrocortisone and pramoxine. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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