Haemorrhoids
Apply (or insert 1 suppository) night, morning and after defaecation, for up to 7 days.
Apply (or insert 1 suppository) night, morning and after defaecation, for up to 7 days.
Apply (or insert 1 suppository) night, morning and after defaecation, for up to 7 days.
Apply (or insert 1 suppository) night, morning and after defaecation, for up to 7 days.
Apply (or insert 1 suppository) night, morning and after defaecation, for up to 7 days.
Apply twice daily for 5–7 days, apply 3–4 times a day on the first day if necessary, then apply once daily for a few days after symptoms have cleared.
1 suppository daily for 5–7 days, to be inserted after a bowel movement.
This product is used by specialists to inject un-prolapsed haemorrhoids.
2–3mL dose to be injected into the submucosal layer at the base of the pile; several injections may be given at different sites, max. total injected 10mL at any one time.
Prescribing Notes:
- Anusol-HC can be used to provide symptomatic relief of haemorrhoids; it can be bought over-the-counter as Anusol Plus HC.
- Anusol preparations present an alternative soothing preparation, which do not contain a corticosteroid component.
- After exclusion of infections, compound products are suitable for occasional short-term use (up to 7 days) in patients with severe symptoms. Prolonged use can cause atrophy of the anal skin, contact dermatitis and skin sensitisation.
- Suppositories are suitable for internal haemorrhoids whereas creams and ointments are suitable for external haemorrhoids.
History Notes
15/12/2021
East Region Formulary content agreed.
Prescribing Notes:
- Haemorrhoids are rare in children, consider diagnosis and seek specialist advice.
- Treat constipation if present, see formulary recommendations. Simple analgesics such as paracetamol may be used for pain relief.
History Notes
30/08/2023
East Region Formulary content agreed - ERFC 09/08/2023.
Treatment should not be for longer than 7 days with hydrocortisone containing products.
Dose according to age and product licence.
Dose according to age and product licence.
Soothing preparation, not as effective as the compound preparations in first choice.
Dose according to age and product licence.
Dose according to age and product licence.
Dose according to age and product licence.
Prescribing Notes:
- Provide lifestyle advice to minimise constipation and straining. Patients should be advised to increase their fluid and fibre intake to avoid hard stools.
- Keep anal area clean, perhaps use moist wipes.
- Warm baths may soothe.
- In pregnancy, Anusol or an ice pack can be used to provide symptomatic relief of haemorrhoids.
Examples of Counselling Points
Increase your fluid intake, not tea, coffee, cola or alcohol.
Increase your fibre intake.
Take some form of regular exercise.
Do not strain when you go to the toilet – try to relax.
When to advise patient to contact GP
Excessive bleeding.
Haemorrhoids in children.
Duration of longer than 3 weeks.
Presence of blood in the stools.
Change of bowel habit (persisting alteration from normal bowel habit).
Suspected drug-induced constipation.
Associated abdominal pain/vomiting.
History Notes
15/12/2021
Prescribing note regarding hydrocortisone containing products move to attention note.
27/10/2020
Content migrated from ‘East Region Formulary: Pharmacy First - supporting minor ailments’ document.