Scheriproct Ointment (30g)

What is Scheriproct?

Scheriproct is an ointment that is used to relieve the pain, irritation, and itching that is associated with haemorrhoids (piles).

It contains a local anaesthetic that works to relieve the pain, as well as a substance known as prednisolone hexanoate, which reduces inflammation.

Scheriproct is a short-term topical treatment that should not be used for longer than 7 days. You can only buy Scheriproct ointment on prescription. 

What is Scheriproct used to treat?

Scheriproct ointment provides effective relief from the uncomfortable symptoms that come with haemorrhoids (piles), including itching, inflammation, pain and discomfort.

Haemorrhoids occur when the blood vessels in and/or around the anus swell, creating hard lumps. This is a common condition that can occur in both adults and children, causing pain, itching and discomfort.

According to Mayoclinic.org, there are a number of triggers that can cause haemorrhoids, including:

• Stress
• Constipation
• Pregnancy
• Straining during a bowel movement
• Sitting down for too long
• Obesity
• Diarrhoea
• Obesity
• Anal intercourse
• Heavy lifting
• Low-fibre diet

Why is Scheriproct recommended for haemorrhoids?

Cinchocaine hydrochloride has been used in the treatment of haemorrhoids for many years. It has been shown to be a safe and effective medicine. 

This medicine is only to be used in the short term, but most people who use it will find that their symptoms have improved significantly after just a few days of continuous use.

How does Scheriproct work?

The local anaesthetic medicine contained in this topical treatment is cinchocaine hydrochloride. This medicine works by blocking the body's pain signals from reaching the brain. This temporarily numbs the area the ointment has been applied to, relieving pain and discomfort.

Scheriproct also contains the corticosteroid prednisolone hexanoate, which works in the body's cells to reduce the chemicals that make the skin red, swollen, painful and itchy. When combined, these two ingredients provide comprehensive relief from the symptoms of piles.

Can you buy Scheriproct over the counter?

No, Scheriproct must be prescribed by a doctor, so it is not available over the counter.

Can you buy Scheriproct online in the UK?

You can buy Scheriproct ointment online from Medicine Direct. However, as it is a prescription medicine, you will need to complete a simple and confidential online questionnaire for one of our registered prescribers to review. This is to make sure that the medicine is safe for you to take.

If you place your order by 2pm, we can also offer you next day delivery, allowing you to start your course of treatment almost immediately.

To safely order medicine online, you should never order it from anywhere other than a UK-registered pharmacy that is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), like Medicine Direct.

Scheriproct alternatives

While haemorrhoids can be very embarrassing and uncomfortable, the good news is that there are many different medicines available to treat this problem. Aside from Scheriproct, a number of other prescription treatments can be ordered from our pharmacy. Topical medicines like Uniroid HC and Xyloproct work to relieve piles in the same way as Scheriproct; these medicines also contain a corticosteroid and local anaesthetic to reduce swelling and ease the pain.

A range of over the counter medicines can also be bought for piles. One of the most famous brands for this condition is Anusol. At Medicine Direct, we sell Anusol Plus HC, which comes as either an ointment or suppository; both contain the same combination of active ingredients and work to provide comprehensive relief from haemorrhoids within one week.

How to use Scheriproct?

Always use Scheriproct exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has instructed you.

Gently but thoroughly wash and dry the anus and the surrounding skin before applying Scheriproct ointment.

In most cases, you will be told to apply the ointment twice a day. For quick relief, you can apply it three or four times on the first day of use.

For internal haemorrhoids:

• Screw the applicator onto the tube. Do not use if the applicator is damaged.
• Squeeze the tube until the applicator has been filled with ointment. This is the equivalent of one dose of ointment.
• Carefully insert the applicator inside the anus until the whole length of the applicator has been inserted.
• Withdraw the applicator slowly while squeezing the tube.
• Clean the applicator after each use. Use a cotton swab to remove any remaining ointment in the applicator and clean it again. Rinse the applicator under warm water for one minute, then dry with a paper towel.

For external haemorrhoids:

• Squeeze a pea-sized amount of ointment onto your fingertip.
• Gently spread it over the skin and just inside the anus, but do not rub it in.

Read the patient information leaflet for full instructions.

Scheriproct Side Effects

Like all medicines, Scheriproct ointment comes with the risk of side effects, although they will not appear in everyone who uses it.

If you apply Scheriproct for longer than 7 days, you may experience thinning of the skin.

Some people who have used this treatment have also reported blurred vision as a side effect.

Speak to your doctor if you suffer from either of these problems.

Please read the patient information leaflet for more information on side effects.

Scheriproct Warnings and Drug Interactions

Before you start to apply this ointment, you must inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are already taking any other medication.

Certain medicines may increase the effects of Scheriproct ointment, including some medicines used in the treatment of HIV. If you need to take any of these medicines at the same time, your doctor may advise a different form of haemorrhoid treatment, or wish to monitor you more closely while you are using it.

Scheriproct ointment contains castor oil, castor oil hydrogenated and macrogol 400 monoricinoleate. These ingredients may cause skin reactions in some users.

It also contains perfume oil, chypre (fragrances), which may also cause allergic reactions.

Always read the patient information leaflet for a complete list of warnings and drug interactions.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

There may be a possible risk to a baby's development when the pregnant mother is using Scheriproct. Like most medicines, this risk is likely to be at its height during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor before using Scheriproct if you are currently pregnant, think you might be pregnant, are trying to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.

We recommend BUMPs for additional information on piles during pregnancy.

Scheriproct Ointment Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Prednisolone hexanoate and Cinchocaine hydrochloride

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How long does Scheriproct take to work?

This medication is for short term use and should not be used for longer than a week; speak to your doctor if your haemorrhoids are still there after this length of time.

How bad do my haemorrhoids need to be to use Scheriproct ointment?

Scheriproct is normally prescribed to treat mild to moderate (first to second degree) haemorrhoids. These are small or large swellings in the anus that may protrude when you have a bowel movement, before going back inside again.

What should I do if it doesn’t work?

Do not use Scheriproct for longer than your doctor tells you to. This medicine must not be used for longer than seven days. Speak to your doctor if your piles have not improved by then.

Will my piles come back once I stop using Scheriproct?

There is always a risk that piles may return after treatment. However, you can lessen this risk by eating a diet that is high in fibre, reducing stress and not straining while on the toilet.

Can I combine Scheriproct with other haemorrhoid medicines?

You shouldn’t combine haemorrhoid medicines unless your doctor advises you to. This advice is unlikely, as using more than one treatment at the same time may cause side effects.

Should I stop using Scheriproct as soon as my piles heal?

You should use Scheriproct for the time period your doctor instructs you to, which will be up to seven days.

How long can I use Scheriproct ointment for?

Do not use it for longer than seven days. Talk to your doctor if your haemorrhoids have not improved after this length of time.

Can I drink alcohol while I’m using Scheriproct?

Yes, you can drink alcohol while using this medication.

Should I push a haemorrhoid back inside?

If you have a prolapsed haemorrhoid, it may bulge out of your bottom. Sometimes, they go back inside on their own, or you can push them back in gently. Do not try to force it.

How long do haemorrhoids take to heal?

Many cases of haemorrhoids go down within a couple of weeks without treatment. If they are persistent or painful, you should speak to your doctor.