Hemorrhoids are a health problem that many people are a little embarrassed to talk about, but they are actually very painful and annoying. The itching, pain, and swelling caused by this can interfere with daily activities. So today we are going to talk about a special cream used to treat this hemorrhoid condition, namely a cream or ointment containing Phenylephrine.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
Phenylephrine is a medication used to relieve itching, swelling, and pain caused by hemorrhoids. It comes in a cream that you apply to the area around the anus. This medication works by constricting the blood vessels in the area, reducing swelling and discomfort. Your doctor may also prescribe it for other conditions. So if you have any concerns, talk to your doctor about it.
Things to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before you start using this cream, you should definitely inform your doctor if you have any of the following health problems, as special care should be taken when using this medicine with these conditions.
| Health condition/problem | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. |
| Heart disease | Heart patients may be affected by the effects on blood vessels. |
| High blood pressure | Blood pressure may increase further. |
| Thyroid disease | Thyroid hormone levels may be affected. |
| Prostate problems | Difficulty urinating may increase. |
| Difficulty urinating | This medication may make the condition worse. |
| Allergies to phenylephrine or other medicines, foods, or dyes | It is important to be aware of this to prevent an allergic reaction. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Talk to your doctor about the possible effects on the fetus. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | You should be aware of the possibility of the medication passing to the baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is very simple, but it must be followed exactly.
1. This cream is for external use only . Do not take it by mouth for any reason.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
3. Do not get in your eyes! If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
4. Follow the instructions on the medicine tube or packet exactly. Do not use more than the amount or frequency recommended by your doctor.
5. Apply a thin film to the affected area.
6. Never try to insert this medicine into the rectum using your fingers or any other device.
7. Continue using it until your doctor tells you to stop.
8. If you are using this medicine on children, talk to your doctor about it and follow his/her instructions. Special care may be required.
What to do if the dose increases?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine is for you only. Do not let anyone else use it, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What if I miss a medication appointment?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose .
Other medications that should not be used with this medicine and that may cause problems
Other medications you are taking may interact with this cream. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| It is strictly forbidden to use Phenylephrine cream with these medications. | |
|---|---|
| MAOIs (eg, Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) | Bromocriptine |
| Ergot class drugs (e.g. Dihydroergotamine, ergotamine) | Cocaine |
| Other stimulant medications | |
| Problems can also occur with these medications. | |
| Anesthesia | Blood pressure medication |
| Medication for depression | |
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- If your symptoms do not improve or get worse , tell your doctor.
- If symptoms persist for more than 7 days , see a doctor.
- Do not use this medicine if you have blood in your stool.
- If you experience rectal bleeding, pain, burning, itching, blistering, or any other unusual condition, notify your doctor immediately.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately |
|---|
Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. |
Rectal pain, burning, or bleeding after taking the medicine. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, please contact your doctor for medical advice.
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Do not refrigerate .
- Do not use expired medications. Throw them away.
- The best way to get rid of expired or unwanted medications is to donate them to programs that provide this. You can ask your doctor or hospital about this.
- If this is not possible, check the package insert to see if it is okay to throw the medicine in the trash. If you are unsure, ask your doctor. If it is okay to throw the medicine in the trash, remove the medicine from the tube, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put it in a bag or container, seal it tightly, and throw it in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Phenylephrine cream is intended to reduce the itching, pain, and swelling caused by hemorrhoids.
- This is for external use only . Never take it internally or by mouth.
- If you have any medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure, be sure to tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
- If symptoms do not improve within 7 days or worsen, see a doctor immediately.
- If you experience rectal bleeding, stop using this medicine and tell your doctor.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to others.
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