Hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) is a rectal steroid medication used to treat hemorrhoids and other inflammatory conditions in and around the rectum. It comes as a suppository (prescription-only) that's inserted into the rectum. It also comes as a cream (some products available OTC) that's applied to the area around the anus. Common side effects of hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) are typically short-term and they can include burning and itching.
Anal itching - cream
Hemorrhoids - suppository
Proctitis (swelling and redness inside the rectum) - suppository
Chronic ulcerative colitis, as an add-on treatment - suppository
Cryptitis (swelling and redness in the in the guts) - suppository
Hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) is a topical corticosteroid. It works by lowering the amount of inflammatory chemicals that cause redness, itching, and swelling. This helps to relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids and lower rectum inflammation.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
Works directly in the area to relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids
Fewer side effects than oral steroids
Need to use multiple times a day
Might raise your risk of fungal or bacterial infection
Can take weeks to relieve symptoms for rectal inflammation
Wash your hands before and after using hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) to help prevent getting the medication in your eyes. If it does get into your eyes, wash your eyes with water or saline and contact your provider if irritation doesn't go away.
Before using hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC), ask your provider if this medication is right for you. This is especially true if you experience rectal bleeding.
Hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) rectal suppository:
Before using hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) suppository, it's best to have a bowel movement before inserting the medication rectally.
Hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) suppository can stain your clothes. Consider using disposable underwear or panty liners to prevent the medication from staining your underwear.
Make sure to read the directions before using hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) suppository. Remove one suppository from the strip of suppositories and take off the wrapper on the suppository. While lying on your left side with bended knees, insert the suppository slowly into the rectum with the pointed end first.
Hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) suppository melts at body temperature. Considering wearing disposable gloves to avoid melting the medication.
After inserting hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) suppository into your rectum, stay in the same position for about 5 minutes to help your body absorb the medication.
Hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) rectal cream:
To apply hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) rectal cream inside of the rectum, first attach the perineal applicator to the tube of cream. While lying on your left side with bended knees, insert the perineal applicator and squeeze the cream into the rectum for a couple of seconds. Take out the applicator and clean it thoroughly once you're done.
Don't wear tight fitting pants after applying hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC). Doing so might affect how much medication gets absorbed.
Hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Using hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) for a long period of time | Using more hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) than recommended | Covering applied area with a bandage | Young children
In some rare cases, using hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) rectally for a long time can cause a medical condition called adrenal suppression. This is when your body stops making its own steroid hormones because of the presence of the steroid medication. And if you suddenly stop the medication, it can lead to symptoms of withdrawal include dizziness, low energy, and nausea. To prevent adrenal suppression from happening, your provider might ask you to do a rectal exam to make sure this medication is right for you. Don't suddenly stop using hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) without talking to your provider first.
Risk factor: Using hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) for a long period of time
Using hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) long term can raise the risk of fungal or bacterial infections. Don't use hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) if you have a skin infection because it can make your infection worse. Let your provider know if you have redness, swelling, pain, pus, or if your current symptoms don't improve after 7 days of treatment. These can be signs and symptoms of a new infection.
Risk factors: Excessive and inappropriate use of hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) | Using a lot of hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC)
Using hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) longer than directed by your provider might irritate your skin, causing skin thinning, stretch marks, spider veins, burning, itching, irritation, dry skin, inflamed hair follicles, changes in skin color, or rash. To prevent severe skin reactions from happening, your provider will ask you to do a rectal exam to make sure this medication is what you need. Let your provider know right away if you notice any new or worsening skin problems.
Hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) 25 mg rectal suppository
Adults: The typical starting dose is to insert 1 suppository into the rectum twice daily. The maximum dose is 1 suppository 3 times a day or 2 suppositories twice daily. Each suppository contains 25 mg of hydrocortisone.
Hydrocortisone (Anusol-HC) rectal cream
Hydrocortisone 1% (people ages 12 years and older): Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) 2 to 4 times daily.
Hydrocortisone 2.5% (adults): Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) 3 to 4 times daily.
Anal itching - cream
Hemorrhoids - suppository
Proctitis (swelling and redness inside the rectum) - suppository
Chronic ulcerative colitis, as an add-on treatment - suppository
Cryptitis (swelling and redness in the in the guts) - suppository
Add-on treatment for ulcerative proctitis
Add-on treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC)
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