What is Anusol?

Anusol is available as a cream, ointment and suppositories. This medicine is for use in adults over the age of 18 years.

Anusol ointment and suppositories contain zinc oxide, bismuth oxide, bismuth subgallate and balsam peru, while Anusol cream contains just zinc oxide, bismuth oxide and balsam peru.

The cream and ointment can be used for both internal and external symptoms, while the suppositories are only useful for internal symptoms.

Anusol cream and ointment can also be used as a lubricant to make inserting suppositories easier.

What is Anusol used for?

Anusol cream, ointment and suppositories are used to help reduce the discomfort associated with minor anal and rectal conditions such as:

• Piles (haemorrhoids).
• Inflammation of the rectum (proctitis).
• Itching around the back passage (pruritus ani).
• Tears in the lining of the back passage.
• Discomfort following anal or rectal surgery.

How to use Anusol

Anusol suppositories

Adults should insert one suppository into the rectum in the morning, at night and after each bowel movement.

Anusol cream and ointment

Adults should use a small amount of cream or ointment in the morning, at night and after each bowel movement.

You can apply the cream or ointment externally over the anal area, or use the nozzle supplied to insert the cream or ointment into the back passage.

For application into the back passage, the nozzle provided with the medicine should be screwed onto the tube. The nozzle should then be gently inserted into the rectum and a small amount of cream or ointment squeezed out. The nozzle should be withdrawn slowly. The nozzle should be thoroughly cleaned after each use.

Consult your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or get worse while using Anusol.

Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using Anusol.

Consult your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or get worse while using Anusol or if you have blood in your stools or any rectal bleeding.

Is it safe to use Anusol if pregnant or breastfeeding?

Anusol cream, ointment and suppositories are not known to be harmful if used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, as with all medicines, it is recommended that you consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Anusol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effects of Anusol

Stop using Anusol and consult your doctor if you experience any of these:

• Sensitisation or allergic reactions such as a rash.
• Irritation on application, such as a burning sensation, redness or itching.
• Contact dermatitis.

Can I use Anusol with other medicines?

Anusol is not known to affect any other medicines. However, as with all medicines, if you are already using any other medicines you should always check with your pharmacist before using this one as well.

References:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1486/smpc

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7949-3245/anusol-hc-rectal/hydrocortisone-cream-ointment-rectal/details