Hemorrhoids are a condition that really bothers many people, but they don't talk about it out of shame. The pain, itching, and swelling caused by this are very difficult to bear, aren't they? At times like these, a doctor can prescribe a special medicine (suppository) to be placed in the rectum. Today we are talking about Phenylephrine, which is one of the most commonly used medicines. Let's talk about everything in simple terms, such as how to use it and what to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is this? (What is Phenylephrine?)
Phenylephrine is a medication that is given to reduce the discomfort caused by your hemorrhoids. It mainly relieves the itching, swelling, and pain caused by hemorrhoids .
Simply put, this medicine temporarily shrinks the swollen blood vessels in your hemorrhoids. It's like deflating a small balloon and causing it to collapse. When these blood vessels shrink, the swelling, pain, and itching in that area are greatly reduced, giving you a great deal of relief.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
It is very important that your doctor knows your complete health history before prescribing this medication. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- If you have diabetes .
- If you suffer from conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure .
- If you are a man and have prostate problems .
- If you have thyroid disease .
- If you have difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine you pass.
- It is also very important to know if you have had a previous allergy to phenylephrine, sulfites, any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should definitely tell your doctor about this.
Telling your doctor without hiding this information will go a long way in protecting you from unwanted side effects.
How to use this medicine correctly?
Okay, this might sound a little strange, but it's really easy. Let's take a step-by-step look at exactly how to do this.
1. First of all, remember that this is not an oral medication. It is a medication that should only be used rectally .
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after using the medicine.
3. Carefully peel off the silver foil wrapper around the medicine.
4. Next, moisten the tip of the medicine with a little cold tap water. This will make it easier to insert.
5. Now lie down in a position that is comfortable for you. The best way is to turn to your side, keep your bottom leg straight, and keep your top leg bent towards your stomach.
6. Lift the buttock slightly to expose the rectal area.
7. Now slowly, with the pointed end first, insert this pill completely into the rectum.
8. After insertion, press your buttocks together for a few seconds.
9. Most importantly, stay in place for about 15 minutes . Otherwise, the medicine may come out again before it dissolves.
10. Do not use more than the number of times prescribed by your doctor.
If you are giving this medicine to young children, be sure to talk to a pediatrician and only use it on their advice.
| Situation | What to do? |
|---|---|
| If the dosage of the medicine is increased (Overdosage) | If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. |
| If you miss a dose of medication (Missed Dose) | Take the medicine as soon as you remember. But 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 drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
A drug interaction means that when Phenylephrine is combined with other medications you are taking, the effects of both medications may change, or unwanted side effects may occur.
Not with these at all!
Do not use Phenylephrine suppository if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Bromocriptine
- Cocaine
- Ergot-type drugs such as Ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine
- MAOI antidepressants (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate)
- Other stimulant medicines
Take care of these too.
The following medications can also cause problems, so tell your doctor if you are taking them:
- Anesthesia
- Blood pressure medication
- Other medications for depression
Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, herbs, or supplements you are taking, even if they are not on this list. Don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- If your symptoms don't improve, or seem to be getting worse day by day, tell your doctor.
- If symptoms persist for more than 7 days , be sure to see your doctor again.
- If you experience rectal bleeding, stop using this medicine and see a doctor immediately.
- If you notice anything unusual, such as rectal bleeding, pain, burning, itching, or blistering, inform your doctor immediately.
Side effects of the medicine
| Side Effect | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Rectal bleeding | |
| Difficulty breathing | |
| Chest pain | |
| Rapid or irregular heartbeat | |
| Dizziness, vertigo | |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site | If these persist or bother you, tell your doctor. |
How do I store this medicine?
- Keep it out of the reach of small children.
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Do not refrigerate .
- Be sure to throw away expired medication.
Take-Home Message
- Phenylephrine suppository is a medicine used only in the rectum to relieve the pain, itching, and swelling caused by hemorrhoids.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and all medications you are taking.
- Once the medicine is inserted, it is very important to stay in place for at least 15 minutes to allow it to dissolve and be absorbed into the body.
- If you notice any rectal bleeding, stop using the medicine and see your doctor immediately.
- Do not continue to use this medicine for more than 7 days without medical advice.
- If you suspect an overdose, consider it an emergency and contact the National Poisons Information Center or ETU .
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