GENERIC NAME: HYDROCORTISONE - RECTAL SUPPOSITORY (hi-dro-KORT-ih-sown)

BRAND NAME(S): Anucort-HC, Anusol-HC, Cort-Dome

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

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. 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 of time and 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. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: vision problems, persistent headache, increased thirst or urination, unusual weakness or weight loss, dizziness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and inform them that you use (or have used) this medication. 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.