Anusol HC (Hydrocortisone/Zinc)

Anusol HC (Hydrocortisone/Zinc) Product Information

Anusol HC  is a corticosteroid  used to treat piles, also known as hemorrhoids. It can also be prescribed to reduce itching, redness, and swelling caused by other skin conditions.

Though this medication can come as a cream, we carry the suppositories, available in two doses: Anusol HC 10mg/10mg, and Anusol Plus 20mg/10mg. The suppositories are brand, we do not have the generic available, and are manufactured by McNeil Consume Healthcare.

What is Anusol HC used for?

If you think you have piles, you should see a doctor to have this confirmed. There will be an itching feeling around the anus and often pain when passing a stool. Even if they are not too bad, there is likely to be some blood showing on the toilet paper. Piles can also be identified when there is a sharp pain in the anus, and it can be painful when you sit down. Sometimes they will make their way out of the anus and can be felt and often pushed back up. If it gets to the stage when they will not stay inside, treatment is definitely needed.

How is Anusol HC dosage taken?

Anusol HC  is a cream so it is not used in the same way that other medication would be used. It is applied around the anus. The cream can be used 4 times a day at most. It should be applied when you first get up, just before you go to bed, and during the day when passing a stool.

When it has to be placed around the anus to clear up piles that are protruding it can be put on gauze and applied but there will be times when it has to be used internally. There will be a rectal nozzle provided with the tube and this should be used to put the cream inside you. Ensure the nozzle is fully cleansed after each use.

Adults of any age can use the cream, but it is not recommended for use by children. 7 days is the longest that the cream should be used unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor.

What are the Side Effects of Anusol HC?

Even though it does not go inside the body a lot of the time there are still some side effects that might be suffered. They can include:

• Pain and itching around the rectum
• Dryness and itching around the rectum
• When females are affected, their periods could be altered
• Sweating will increase
• You run the risk of folliculitis – inflammation of the follicles
• Skin color lightening
• Rash

What are the Precautions of Anusol HC?

As with any form of medication you should let your doctor know when you have any of the following conditions: -

• Blood in the stool – this may mean that piles are not the issue, and even when they are present there may be something more serious wrong.
• If you have any changes to your body – while the cream is placed in one place there is the risk that it could affect other parts of the body.
• If you have problems with sight, make sure that the doctor knows
• You are taking CYP3A inhibitors
• Make sure that the doctor knows if you are pregnant.

The risks to the unborn child could be a cleft palate or suppressed HPA axis. This risk has been proven so must be taken seriously. The risk also extends to breast feeding.

Related Drugs

• Proctofoam HC