Anusol® ointment
Anusol ointment is a medicine which is used to relieve the swelling, itch and irritation of internal and external piles (haemorrhoids) and other minor ano-rectal conditions such as anal itching and fissures. It can be used post-operatively following ano-rectal surgery.
It contains the following ingredients
- Zinc oxide which is an astringent which soothes and protects raw areas and helps reduce swelling. It also acts as antiseptic.
- Balsam Peru which is mildly antiseptic and has a protective action on sore areas and may help healing
- Bismuth salts which is astringent and antiseptic and also protects raw, irritated areas around the anal area.
This product is for use by adults over the age of 18 years old.
Before using this medicineAdvertisement
This medicine is suitable for most people but a few people should not use it. If you are in any doubt, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to Anusol or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.
- Talk to your doctor of pharmacist if you have rectal bleeding or blood in the stool or if you are in doubt whether any bleeding you have experienced is caused by piles.
- If you are pregnant or breast feeding, only use this medicine on the advice of your doctor.
- Some of the ingredients may cause problems; castor oil may cause skin reactions, lanolin anhydrous may cause local skin reactions e.g. contact dermatitis which is a local irritation at the site of use.
How to use this medicine
Anusol ointment is for topical use only, which means it is applied directly to the affected area.
- Wash the anal area and dry gently with a soft towel before using the medicine
- There is a nozzle supplied with the product which can be used to apply the ointment into the back passage (anus)
- For external piles-after washing and drying the affected area, the ointment should be applied using a gauze dressing.
- For internal piles-after washing and drying the affected area, screw the nozzle provided onto the tube, remove the nozzle cap; insert the nozzle into the back passage and squeeze gently. Clean the nozzle after each use.
- Wash your hands before and after using Anusol.
Children (under 18 years): This medicine is not recommended for children under 18 years old.
Adults and the elderly: Anusol ointment should be applied sparingly to the affected area at night, in the morning and after each bowel movement.
If you forget to use this medicine
Anusol ointment should be used on as required basis. However, if you were unable to use this product when needed, do not use a double dose next time you use it.
Possible side-effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
- Hypersensitivity reactions such as rash (rare)
- Burning, redness, irritation, itching or pain may occur when applying the ointment. This does not usually last a long time, so if this lasts longer than a few days, tell your doctor.
Other links
- https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1487/smpc
- https://www.travelpharm.com/medicines-c143/haemorrhoids-c144/anusol-ointment-25g-p7780
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7949-3245/anusol-hc-rectal/hydrocortisone-cream-ointment-rectal/details
- https://www.boots.com/anusol-ointment-haemorrhoids-piles-treatment-25g-10006905
- https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/937c7b01-521e-4910-b44e-c54d1efcfc97.pdf
- https://www.lifepharmacyorewa.co.nz/anusol-ointment-50g
