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Proctosedyl Ointment
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Proctosedyl Ointment - Treatment for Internal & External Piles

Proctosedyl Ointment is available to buy from The Independent Pharmacy for the fast, effective treatment of internal and external piles and haemorrhoids. All you need to do is fill in a simple medical questionnaire to be reviewed by a UK-based prescriber and your treatment can can be quickly and discreetly delivered to your door.

  • Suitable for age:18 Years +
  • Maximum per order:2
  • Consultation required?Yes
    This treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.
Type of medicineSteroid and local anaesthetic
Works byReducing inflammation and the sensation of pain
Active ingredientCinchocaine Hydrochloride (Micro) BP 0.5 %ww, Hydrocortisone (Micro) EP 0.5 %ww
Effective within2 hours
Pack size30g tube
StrengthCinchocaine Hydrochloride (Micro) BP 0.5 %ww, Hydrocortisone (Micro) EP 0.5 %ww
Common side effectsSkin rash, Thinning of the skin
ManufacturerSANOFI Consumer Healthcare
GenericNo
Use with alcoholNo known issues

Proctosedyl Information

  • What is Proctosedyl and what is it used for?

    Proctosedyl Ointment is a dual-action formula containing two active ingredients; Cinchocaine Hydrochloride and Hydrocortisone. It is mainly used to treat internal and external Haemorrhoids (piles) helping to relieve pain, discomfort and itching as well as reducing the physical size of the piles themselves.

    Proctosedyl Ointment is suitable for treating external haemorrhoids around the anal area through direct application. If the Haemorrhoids are internal, the ointment can still be applied by using the plastic applicator included with every tube. This applicator or nozzle screws onto the top of the tube, allowing for comfortable insertion into the rectum.

    Proctosedyl Ointment is manufactured in The UK by Sanofi-Aventis and is classified as a prescription-only-medicine (POM). Proctosedyl Ointment is available in a 30g tube, which comes with an attachable plastic applicator and a comprehensive patient information leaflet (PIL).

    How does Proctosedyl work?

    The first active ingredient contained in Proctosedyl ointment, Cinchocaine belongs to a group of medicines called local anaesthetics. These medicines work by blocking the pain messages along the nerve fibres at the point of application. This prevents the pain signals from reaching the brain. This will cause a numbing sensation in the area where the ointment has been applied.

    The other active ingredient, Hydrocortisone belongs to a category of medicines known as Corticosteroids. These medicines work to reduce and relieve pain and inflammation. Inflammation is caused by an immune response that causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in the affected area becoming red, painful, itchy and swollen. Hydrocortisone works from within the cell, actively reducing the substances that trigger the inflammation. When Hydrocortisone is used topically to treat Haemorrhoids, it will effectively reduce the painful inflammation and swelling caused by this condition.

    Alternatives to Proctosedyl

    Proctosedyl ointment can be used to help manage and treat both internal and external piles, Uniroid HC Ointment is a direct alternative to this treatment. For further details on prescription-only treatments please take a look at our Advice for Haemorrhoids page.

    Alternate OTC (over the counter) Medication

    There are many OTC medicines available from ourselves and your local pharmacy to buy, these may be all you need, so you should try these first before moving onto a prescription only medications, here is a list of a couple that are commonly stocked.

    Sources

  • Proctosedyl directions

    Always use Proctosedyl ointment exactly as prescribed. If you are unsure, check your patient information leaflet for further instructions or contact us for further advise from one of our healthcare professionals.

    • Only apply Proctosedyl to your back passage and the surrounding areas. Do not apply to the face or other parts of the body.
    • Apply this medicine in the morning, evening and after each bowel movement.
    • If you feel the effect of your medicine is too weak or too strong, do not change the dose yourself, seek further advise from a healthcare professional.

    How to apply Proctosedyl ointment

    • Wash your hands
    • Squeeze a small amount of the ointment onto your fingertip
    • Gently rub a small layer of ointment over the sore, painful or itching area
    • Wash your hands

    If you need to to apply some ointment deeper into your back passage for internal haemorrhoids/piles:

    • Wash your hands
    • Screw the plastic nozzle provided onto the tube
    • Insert the nozzle into the back passage
    • Squeeze the tube gently as you slowly pull it out
    • Stay still for 1 or 2 minutes
    • Wash your hands and the nozzle
  • Proctosedyl ingredients

    Each gram of Proctosedyl ointment contains the active ingredients: 5 mg of cinchocaine hydrochloride and 5 mg of hydrocortisone.

    The other ingredients are: wool fat (lanolin), liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin.

  • Proctosedyl side effects

    Like all medicines, Proctosedyl ointment can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you do suffer with side effects they are normally mild and last a few days. They can include:

    • Skin rash
    • Thinning of the skin

    If you have used this ointment for a long time, it is possible that you could get something called ‘adrenal suppression’. Signs include lack of appetite, pain in the stomach, weight loss, feeling sick or being sick, lack of concentration, a feeling of hunger, nervousness and fits.

    If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed.

  • Proctosedyl warnings

    You should not order this medicine online and see your doctor if:

    • You are allergic (hypersensitive) to cinchocaine hydrochloride, hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients of Proctosedyl ointment. Signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue.
    • You have any kind of infection.

    Do not use this medicine if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Proctosedyl.

    Taking other medicines

    Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines you buy without a prescription, including herbal medicines. This is because Proctosedyl can affect the way some other medicines work. Also some medicines can affect the way Proctosedyl works.

    Pregnancy and breast-feeding

    This medicine is unsuitable to order online if:

    • You are pregnant, might become pregnant or think you may be pregnant
    • You are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed

    Ask your doctor or midwife for advice before taking any medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

    Important information about some of the ingredients of Proctosedyl ointment

    This medicine contains wool fat (lanolin) which may cause local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis causes redness, itching or irritation of the skin.

    Before using this medication please ensure you have read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

Proctosedyl Ointment reviews

Proctosedyl Ointment FAQs

  • Proctosedyl contains Cinchocaine Hydrochloride (a local anaesthetic) and Hydrocortisone (a topical steroid). Proctosedyl is a topical cream that helps to numb the pain associated with piles and treat the inflammation present.

    For a full list of ingredients see the 'Ingredients' tab.

  • In adults 18 years and over, Proctosedyl should be applied twice daily, usually in the morning and evening, and after each bowel movement.

    To apply Proctosedyl Ointment externally:

    • Wash your hands
    • Squeeze a small amount of the ointment onto your fingertip
    • Gently rub a small layer of the ointment over the sore, painful or itching area
    • Wash your hands

    If you need to apply Proctosedyl Ointment inside your back passage:

    • Wash your hands
    • Screw thre plastic nozzle provided onto the tube
    • Gently insert the nozzle into the back passage
    • Squeeze the tube gently as you pull it out
    • Stay still for 1 or 2 minutes
    • Wash your hands and the nozzle

    You should not use Proctosedyl ointment for more than 7 days. If there has been no improvement in your symptoms after 7 days treatment, you should see your GP.

  • Proctosedyl is an prescription-only treatment for haemorrhoids and piles. For that reason, to ensure the safety of our patients and the legal operating of our pharmacy, we only supply a maximum of one tube of treatment at one time. Proctosedyl treatment is normally effective for mild to moderate cases of haemorrhoids after 7 days of treatment. If after 7 days of treatment you are still suffering, you should see your GP to receive further treatment that may be more appropriate for the severity of your case.

  • Yes, as long as you are buying from a website that is a legally operating and regulated pharmacy it is perfectly safe to buy Proctosedyl online. The Independent Pharmacy is an NHS Online Pharmacy based in Bristol and has all the necessary regulation to be able to safely provide convenient access to genuine prescription treatments through our Online Pharmacy & Online Doctor. We only provide genuine branded Proctosedyl Ointment sourced from reputable UK wholesalers. All of our registrations and credentials are available to check in the footer on every page of the website so you can be sure that you are buying from a reputable, trusted supplier.

  • Yes, we understand that sometimes you want to get your treatment as soon as possible, especially if you are in pain or discomfort. If ordered before 4pm Monday to Friday, Proctosedyl Ointment is available for next day delivery.

  • It simple! Just select 'Start Consultation' above, you will need to fill in a simple health questionnaire so our GPs & Pharmacists can ensure it is safe for us to supply Proctosedyl to you. It all takes around 3 minutes and your treatment can be quickly and discreetly delivered to your door.

  • There are many advantages to buying Proctosedyl Ointment online, some include:

    • It's quick & easy - there is no need to spend time at the doctor or pharmacy.
    • Fast delivery - We offer same day dispatch before 4pm and fast delivery to your address of choice with Royal Mail.
    • Great prices - we are able to offer very competitive prices and we guarantee to beat any other Online Pharmacy service.
    • Tons of information - we provide all the information you could need on Proctosedyl and other piles treatments, in easy to digest formats, at a time to suit you.
  • Proctosedyl is normally used in a seven day course to treat piles & haemorrhoids, you should normally see an improvement in your symptoms within two to three days. After seven days you should be able to tell if it has improved your condition and if not you should see our GP. Using Proctosedyl on and off or for a couple of days usually means it is less effective, making it unlikely that it will be an effective treatment to clear up your piles. It is therefore important that you use Proctosedyl for at least two days after symptoms have cleared (up to seven days total treatment) to ensure that they do not return.

  • Proctosedyl contains two active ingredients, a local anaesthetic and a topical steroid. Haemorrhoids/piles are caused by the inflammation of blood vessels around and inside the rectum. These inflamed blood vessels can cause itching, stinging and general discomfort. Cinchocaine Hydrochloride (a topical anaesthetic) helps to numb the pain and stinging of piles and reduce discomfort. Hydrocortisone (a topical steroid) helps to reduce inflammation of the haemorrhoids causing them to shrink and eventually disappear.

  • Generally Proctosedyl is not used with any other piles treatment (such as Scheriproct or Anusol HC) as they have a similar method of action and usually do not provide any additional benefit. Simultaneous use of multiple piles treatments may also increase the risk of experiencing side effects. If you find that you experience significant pain or discomfort from your piles, you can take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen with Proctosedyl.

  • Proctosedyl should be used to treat mild to moderate piles and haemorrhoids (first to second degree). First and second degree piles are defined by NHS Choices as small or large swellings inside the anus that may come out of your anus when you go to the toilet before disappearing inside again. If you suffer with prolapsed haemorrhoids that hang out of the anus all of the time, or your symptoms are worse, you should have these diagnosed and treated by your GP.

  • If treatment with Proctosedyl Ointment is ineffective on your piles after seven days of treatment, you should see your GP for an examination and further treatment options. If you find Proctosedyl Ointment does not clear your haemorrhoids, you should not use other similar piles treatments like Scheriproct or Anusol HC as these are unlikely to be effective if Proctosedyl hasn't worked and may increase the chance of side effects.

  • If you find treatment with Proctosedyl successful and your piles improve, you should continue using Proctosedyl for around two days (up to a total maximum of seven days) before stopping your treatment. This will ensure that any remaining haemorrhoids are treated and give you the best chance to keep you clear of recurring symptoms.

  • It is possible for Proctosedyl to clear your piles to levels where they can be kept at bay by lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments, such as Anusol and Germoloids cream. However, some people may find that their piles return periodically after a period of time and may be associated with certain triggers such as constipation. It is not advised to use Proctosedyl for long periods (more than seven days) or to prevent haemorrhoids from re-occurring.

  • The Independent Pharmacy is able to provide Proctosedyl to people aged 18 years and over for the treatment of first and second degree piles and haemorrhoids. If you are aged under 18 and suffering with piles, you will need to see your GP to get treatment that is appropriate for you and your condition.

  • If you stop using Proctosedyl and your haemorrhoids come back, you may restart treatment at any point. If your condition improves then you should continue with treatment for up to seven days however, if it is less effective during subsequent rounds of treatment you should see your GP for further examination and treatment. If your piles or haemorrhoids are re-occuring more frequently you should see your GP to establish the cause and get treatment.

  • As well as using a dual action piles treatment such as Proctosedyl, you should also get in to the habit of cleansing the affected areas regularly to prevent infection and worsening of symptoms. You should wash twice daily with warm, not hot, water using a mild cleansing agent. When washing, ensure you do not scrub the area too hard so as to irritate the skin as this can make symptoms worse.

    Constipation can have a role in causing and worsening piles. You should ensure you are drinking plenty of water, eating lots of foods high in fibre and cutting down on junk food. Try to avoid straining when going to the toilet and ensure you go to the toilet when the need hits you, ignoring the call can lead to constipation or straining later.

  • NHS Choices provide some great information for beginners on piles and their treatment. You can also view our Haemorrhoids & Piles page for tons of great information.

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