Proctosedyl Ointment

What is Proctosedyl?

Proctosedyl is used to provide relief from haemorrhoids (also known as piles) and irritation of the bottom. Piles are lumps inside and around your bottom that can feel itchy, uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Proctosedyl works as a local anaesthetic for short-term relief from the pain and irritation associated with piles, where the veins get swollen in your anus and lower rectum. Piles can be internal or external, meaning that sometimes they’re visible.

They can be caused by straining when you go to the toilet, sitting for long periods of time on the toilet, ageing, being overweight, having a diet low in fibre or by chronic diarrhoea or constipation. They can also be triggered or made worse by things like childbirth too, but often the exact cause is unknown.

Piles are nothing to be embarrassed about; it’s estimated that 4.4.% of the general population worldwide experience them. ^[1] But they’re not often talked about, likely due to embarrassment or shame because of the area of the body where the condition occurs.

Some other conditions such as fissures, fistula, abscesses and tears are incorrectly called haemorrhoids as they share some of the symptoms. It’s important to be sure that you have piles or related issues that can be resolved by proctosedyl before starting your treatment.

When it comes to treating piles, Proctosedyl is available as an ointment as well as a suppository. If you have sensitive skin, the suppository might be a better choice for you to avoid further irritation.

How does Proctosedyl work?

It contains two active ingredients, hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, and Cinchocaine hydrochloride, an anaesthetic that numbs soreness and pain. This relief can mean less irritation in the long run for you, despite Proctosedyl being a short-term treatment.

What doses of proctosedyl are there?

There’s just the one dose: 0.5%. Treatment with Proctosedyl is straightforward: it’s a seven-day course that’s used as needed (when you go to the toilet and empty your bowels).

How to take proctosedyl

If you’re using the ointment:

• wash your hands before and after use.
• put a small amount of ointment onto your fingertip.
• apply a small amount of ointment to the area that’s sore, painful or itchy.
• don’t use it beyond the seven day course and don’t apply the cream on any other area of the body

If our clinician has instructed you to insert the ointment further into your anal passage:

• wash your hands
• screw the plastic nozzle onto the tube
• insert the nozzle into your back passage
• gently squeeze the tube as you pull it out slowly
• remain still for one or two minutes
• wash your hands and the nozzle too

If you’re using the suppository:

• insert it into your back passage only.
• insert one suppository in the morning, evening and after each bowel movement.
• after you’ve used one, you should wash your hands.
• don’t use the suppository for any longer than seven days.
• and you find that the suppository isn’t working the way it should for you, you should speak to our clinician about adjusting your dose, rather than changing it yourself

How long does it take Proctosedyl to work?

The anaesthetic in Proctosedyl should kick in almost immediately, although that doesn’t mean that all discomfort will be eliminated. The anti-inflammatory properties might require a few days before you notice significant results. If symptoms persist after seven days, seek further medical attention.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using proctosedyl?

If you’ve used Proctosedyl for longer than seven days, you should get in touch with our clinician. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember but don’t take twice the amount to make up for a missed dose. You should always speak to our clinician first before adjusting your dose.