Anyone who suffers from anal fissures knows how annoying and uncomfortable the pain is. This condition can make it difficult to even do daily activities. So, there is a special ointment that doctors prescribe to control this pain. Today we are talking about the ointment containing Nitroglycerin.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, this is a cream used to treat pain in the anal area. Its main ingredient is nitroglycerin . This medicine belongs to a group of drugs called nitrates.
This works like this: It relaxes the blood vessels in our anal area, reducing the pressure in that area. Think of it like a tight muscle relaxing. This allows for better blood circulation, the fissures begin to heal, and the pain decreases. RECTIV is a popular brand name for this medication.
Your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other conditions. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before giving you this ointment, your doctor should be aware of your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions below.
- Head injury, recent stroke, or bleeding in the brain: This information is very important because this medicine can change the pressure in the brain.
- Heart disease: If you have any heart disease, you should tell us about it.
- Conditions such as low red blood cell counts: If you have conditions such as anemia, the way this medicine works may change.
- Low blood pressure: This medication may cause your blood pressure to drop even further, so you should tell your doctor if you already have low blood pressure.
- Frequent migraines or headaches: Headaches can also occur as a side effect of this medication.
- If you have an allergic reaction to nitroglycerin or other medicines, foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor this information without hiding it.
How exactly do you use this ointment?
To get the most out of this medicine, you need to use it as directed. It is for rectal use only . Do not take it orally for any reason.
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
2. Cover your finger: Cover your finger with plastic-wrap or a surgical glove. This is to prevent the medicine from being absorbed through the skin of your finger and for hygiene reasons.
3. Measure the correct dose: Use the dosing guide on the medicine box and measure the exact amount your doctor tells you to take. Don't guess.
4. Apply: Carefully insert the lubricated finger into the anus up to the first knuckle and apply.
5. Remove the cover: After applying, discard the cover from your finger in the trash.
6. Wash your hands again: Wash your hands thoroughly again.
Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to children, so talk to your doctor about it.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital in Colombo . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can interact with this ointment, which can cause dangerous side effects. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Never use these! | |
|---|---|
| Type of medicine | Description |
| Medications for erectile dysfunction (ED) | Medications like sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. These can cause dangerously low blood pressure if used together. |
| Riociguat | A medicine for pulmonary hypertension. |
| Inform the doctor about these. | |
| Alteplase | Aspirin |
| Some medications for migraines | such as ergotamine and dihydroergotamine (DHE). |
| Heparin | Medication for high blood pressure |
| Other medicines for heart pain (angina) | |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or traditional medicines you are taking.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore , stay away from activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.
- Don't get up too quickly: Don't get up suddenly from a sitting or lying position, especially if you're elderly. Doing so can cause dizziness and you may fall.
- No alcohol: Drinking alcohol can make drowsiness and dizziness worse.
- Other medications: Do not take over-the-counter cough, cold, or pain medications without first checking with your doctor. Some medications can increase your blood pressure.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of Methemoglobinemia | Severe headache, unusual weakness, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue skin or lips (this is a serious condition that affects the blood's ability to carry oxygen). |
| Increased pressure around the brain | Severe headache, blurred vision, vision changes, nausea, vomiting. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Slow heartbeat | Dizziness, fainting, confusion, difficulty breathing, unusual weakness. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (but should be reported if they persist) | |
| Dizziness | Headache - This is a very common side effect. |
| Flushing | |
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Close the cap tightly after use.
- Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- This ointment is a medicine for anal pain. It relaxes blood vessels and reduces pain and pressure.
- Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, especially heart and blood pressure medications. It is very dangerous to use this with medications for erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Follow the correct dosage and method when using the ointment. Cover the finger.
- Avoid driving until the medicine has become accustomed to your body, as dizziness and drowsiness may occur.
- If you notice a serious side effect such as severe headache, vision changes, or blue skin, call your doctor immediately.
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