The following information is a summary about Anusol. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Anucort-HC, Anusol-HC, Cort-Dome
USES:
This medication is used to treat swelling, inflammation, or itching due to conditions such as hemorrhoids.
HOW TO USE:
If the suppository is too soft to insert, put it in cold water or refrigerate
for 30 minutes before removing the foil wrapper. Unwrap the foil and moisten
the suppository with a little water. Lie down on your left side with right knee
bent. Push the suppository into the rectum with your finger. Remain lying down
for a few minutes and avoid having a bowel movement for an hour or longer so
the drug will be absorbed. Wash hands after using this medicine. Do not use
this more often or in different amounts than prescribed by your doctor. Follow
doctor's directions exactly.
SIDE EFFECTS:
This medication may cause burning, stinging, itching, or redness when first
applied. This should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication.
If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Skin infections can
become worse when using this medication. Notify your doctor if redness, swelling
or irritation does not improve. Notify your doctor of: rectal bleeding, pain.
Very unlikely to occur but report promptly the following side effects: unusual
weakness, weight loss, nausea/vomiting, fainting, dizziness, vision changes.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate
medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching,
swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed
above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before you use this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially:
sores or infections of or near the area being treated, stomach or intestinal
problems, eye problems, any allergies. Though very unlikely, it is possible
this medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable
consequences that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is especially
true for children and for those who have used this for an extended period if
they also have serious medical problems such as serious infections, injuries or surgeries. This precaution
applies for up to one year after stopping use of this drug. Consult your doctor
or pharmacist for more details. Hydrocortisone suppositories should be used
only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor. This medication may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor
before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medications you may
use, especially: oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), other rectal medicines.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
NOTES:
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not
use it later for another problem or give it to someone else. A different medication
may be needed in those cases. Inform all your doctors you use, or have used,
this medication.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as remembered; do not apply if it is almost time for the next dose.
Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not
"double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Suppositories may be refrigerated.
