Anusol

What is Anusol?

Anusol is an effective treatment for haemorrhoids (piles) which contains the active ingredient hydrocortisone. This medicine is available as both a topical ointment and a suppository.

Using our online clinic, you can get pile treatment delivered discreetly to your door.

Prescription Doctor offers Anusol ointment, Anusol HC and Anusol suppositories. If you are unsure which treatment is most suitable for you, our online doctor can discuss this with you.

What are haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids (piles) are small lumps in or around the anus which develop due to increased pressure in the surrounding blood vessels, resulting in swelling and inflammation.

In many cases, piles are painless and clear up on their own after a few days.

Other cases may be painful and discomforting. In these instances, you should speak to your doctor about available treatments.

It is possible to be unaware of the condition, but they can cause several unpleasant symptoms, including:

• Bleeding after passing stool
• Distended lumps hanging from the anus
• Itching around the anus (anal pruritus)
• Mucus discharge after passing stool
• Soreness, redness and swelling around the anus

Diagnosis of piles is usually made based on the physical symptoms alone. For suspected internal piles, your GP may request a physical internal examination of your rectum, or refer you to a colorectal specialist.

What causes haemorrhoids?

The main cause of piles is often associated with excessive pressure exerted upon the blood vessels surrounding the anal area.

There are a number of factors which contribute to the development of haemorrhoids (piles), including:

• Age
• Being overweight or obese
• Chronic diarrhoea
• Extended periods of sitting
• Heavy lifting
• Pregnancy
• Straining when constipated

Do piles go away on their own?

Small piles do tend to clear up on their own within a couple of days.

If your piles are painful, or if they are bleeding, speak to your doctor about the appropriate treatment for you.

How do I prevent piles?

Piles can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, rich in fibre, can prevent constipation - a common cause of piles.

Keeping your body hydrated and exercising regularly can also prevent piles.

How does Anusol work?

Anusol contains a topical corticosteroid called hydrocortisone.

When applied directly to the haemorrhoids (piles), the steroid acts upon the cells to prevent them from releasing chemicals which cause inflammation, swelling, redness and itching.

Anusol also contains other compounds which have mild antiseptic properties, such as Bismuth salts, Balsam Peru and benzyl benzoate.

When combined, the ingredients work together to combat the symptoms of piles, prevent the growth of microorganisms, and promote healing of the surrounding tissues in the affected area.

How do I use Anusol?

Anusol ointment can be used both externally and internally, using the provided applicator nozzle.

Anusol suppositories are intended for internal piles only.

Always follow the advice from the doctor regarding how often you should use Anusol.

Before applying Anusol ointment, wash the anal area and gently dry with a soft towel.

Anusol Cream for external piles: 

Anusol ointment should be applied with a gauze dressing. Speak to your pharmacist about how to apply a gauze dressing with Anusol ointment.

Use Anusol cream conservatively to ensure you have enough medicine and reduce your risk of experiencing side effects.

Anusol Cream for internal piles:

1. Screw on the supplied applicator nozzle and remove the nozzle cap.
2. Gently insert the nozzle into the anus.
3. Squeeze the tube gently while slowly removing the nozzle.

Clean the nozzle after every application.

Anusol suppositories: 

1. Remove the plastic cover from the suppository. 
2. Lie on your side, with one knee raised, and carefully insert the suppository into your back passage.
3. The suppository will melt after insertion.

Always wash your hands before and after using Anusol cream or suppositories.

What should I do if I forget to use Anusol?

Anusol is used when needed. However, if you forget to use it when you should, or if it is not available when you need it, do not use more Anusol to make up for the forgotten dose.

Using more Anusol will not clear your symptoms any faster but may increase your risk of experiencing side effects.

Anusol side effects and cautions

Before you start using Anusol, you must read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Who should not use Anusol?

Anusol is not suitable for everyone.

Do not use Anusol if you:

• are allergic to any of its ingredients
• have fungal, viral, or bacterial skin sores

Speak to your doctor before using Anusol if you

• have rectal bleeding or bloody stools
• are taking medicines to treat HIV (ritonavir or cobicistat)

Please inform our prescribers of all other medicines you are currently taking, including those prescribed by your doctor, or bought over the counter, as well as health and herbal supplements.

If you are unsure whether Anusol is safe for you, speak to your doctor or ask a pharmacist.

Side effects of Anusol

All medicines have the potential of causing side effects, though not everybody experiences them.

It is important to remain vigilant of any side effects you experience during your course of treatment.

The side effects listed below have been observed in both preparations of Anusol; ointment and suppository.

Rare side effects of Anusol may include:

• Hypersensitivity (rash)
• Blurred vision
• Burning, redness, irritation, itching, or pain when applied

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Anusol, including a complete list of side effects, can be found within the patient information leaflet.

Allergies

Do not use Anusol if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using Anusol.

Other safety information

Always read the enclosed patient information leaflet before you start using Anusol.

If you have any concerns about anything you read in the patient information leaflet, speak to a doctor or a pharmacist for advice.

Please inform our online prescribers of all medicines you are currently using. This includes medicines prescribed to you, or bought over the counter, as well as health and herbal supplements.

Do not use pil treatments for more than 7 days.

Do not use more than one pile treatment at any one time.

Do not use Anusol past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Never throw away Anusol via household or water waste, as this can damage the environment. You should take any unwanted or expired medication to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose them safely on your behalf.

Always store Anusol out of sight and reach from children and pets.

Never share your Anusol with anybody else.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drink alcohol while using Anusol?

Interactions between the consumption of alcohol and Anusol have not been observed.

However, it may be ideal to avoid alcohol while treating haemorrhoids (piles). Alcohol can cause dehydration, leading to constipation which worsens the symptoms of piles.

Will Anusol affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Anusol shouldn't impact your ability to drive or operate machinery.

However, if you experience side effects that impair your concentration, you should refrain from these activities until you feel safe to do so.

Will Anusol impact my contraceptive?

Anusol Cream and Suppositories should not affect your hormonal contraceptive pill or the morning after pill.

However, if you vomit after using Anusol, your contraceptive might be affected.

Check with the information for your contraceptive pill on what to do if you vomit.

How long can I use Anusol for?

You can use Anusol for up to 7 days.

If your symptoms do not go away, or indeed worsen, after using Anusol for 7 days, speak to your doctor immediately.

Table of contents

What is Anusol?

How does Anusol work?

How to use Anusol?

Anusol side effects and cautions

Related information

Avoid these 7 things if you have haemorrhoids

How long does Anusol cream take to work?