$Unique_ID{BRK03183} $Pretitle{} $Title{hydrocortisone, benzyl benzoate, bismuth resorcin compound, bismuth subgallate, zinc oxide, and Peruvian balsam combination (topical)} $Subject{Anumed HC Major Anusol Parke-Davis Hemorrhoidal Rectacort Century Adrenocorticosteroid-containing hemorrhoidal anorectal hydrocortisone benzyl benzoate bismuth resorcin compound bismuth subgallate zinc oxide Peruvian balsam pain itching discomfort hemorrhoids anorectal tissues cortisone-like inflammation redness swelling itching discomfort astringent shrinking irritation drying softening} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. hydrocortisone, benzyl benzoate, bismuth resorcin compound, bismuth subgallate, zinc oxide, and Peruvian balsam combination (topical) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Anumed HC (Major) Anusol HC (Parke-Davis) Hemorrhoidal HC (various manufacturers) Rectacort (Century) TYPE OF DRUG Adrenocorticosteroid-containing hemorrhoidal and anorectal product INGREDIENTS hydrocortisone, benzyl benzoate, bismuth resorcin compound, bismuth subgallate, zinc oxide, and Peruvian balsam DOSAGE FORMS Rectal cream (0.5% hydrocortisone, 1.2% benzyl benzoate, 1.75% bismuth resorcin compound, 2.25% bismuth subgallate, 11% zinc oxide, and 1.8% Peruvian balsam) Rectal suppositories (10 mg hydrocortisone, 1.2% benzyl benzoate, 1.75% bismuth resorcin compound, 2.25% bismuthsubgallate, 11% zinc oxide, and 1.8% Peruvian balsam per suppository) STORAGE The rectal cream should be stored at room temperature (never frozen) in a tightly closed container. The rectal suppositories should be stored in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator. USES This combination medication is used to relieve the pain, itching, and discomfort arising from hemorrhoids and irritated anorectal tissues. Your adrenal glands naturally produce certain cortisone-like chemicals. These chemicals are involved in various regulatory processes in the body (such as those involving fluid balance, temperature, and reaction to inflammation). Hydrocortisone belongs to a group of drugs known as adrenocorticosteroids (or cortisone-like drugs). Hydrocortisone is used to relieve inflammation (redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort). Zinc oxide is an astringent that causes shrinking and provides relief of irritation. The other ingredients provide a drying and softening effect. TREATMENT Wash your hands before applying this medication. To apply the rectal cream, first wash and dry the rectal area and then gently rub in a small amount of the cream. If you must insert the cream inside the rectum, attach the applicator tip to the opened tube. It may be helpful to lubricate the applicator with a small amount of petroleum jelly to ease insertion. Insert the applicator tip into the rectum and squeeze the tube. Remove the applicator from the tube and wash it with hot water and soap; then thoroughly dry it before storing. Be sure to put the top back on the tube. Wash your hands again after application. To insert the suppository, unwrap the suppository and moisten it slightly with water (if the suppository is too soft to insert, run cold water over it or refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes before you unwrap it). Lie down on your left side with your right knee bent. Push the suppository well into the rectum with your finger. Try not to have a bowel movement for at least an hour. Wash your hands again after application. If you miss a dose of this medication, apply the cream or insert the suppository as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next application. In that case, do not use the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Burning sensation upon application. The burning should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any additional inflammation or infection at the site of application, as well as rectal pain, bleeding, leakage, itching, or blistering. INTERACTIONS This medication should not interact with any other medications as long as it is used according to the directions given to you by the doctor or pharmacist. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to medications, especially to benzyl benzoate, bismuth resorcin compound, bismuth subgallate, Peruvian balsam, or to hydrocortisone or any other adrenocorticosteroid (such as amcinonide, betamethasone, clocortolone, cortisone, desonide, desoximetasone, dexamethasone, diflorasone, flumethasone, fluocinolone, fluocinonide, fluorometholone, flurandrenolide, halcinonide, methylprednisolone, paramethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, and triamcinolone). * If additional irritation develops while using this drug, immediately discontinue its use and notify your doctor. * You should not use this medication for more than seven consecutive days unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so. * If this drug stains your clothing, the stain may be removed by washing with laundry detergent. * Wearing a sanitary napkin may help to protect clothing and to keep the medication in the area. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If large amounts of hydrocortisone are applied for prolonged periods, some of it will be absorbed and may cross the placenta. Studies in humans have not been conducted, but birth defects have been observed in the offspring of animals that were given large oral doses of hydrocortisone during pregnancy. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. If absorbed through the skin, small amounts of hydrocortisone pass into breast milk and may cause growth suppression or a decrease in natural adrenocorticosteroid hormone production in the nursing infant. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.