Proctosedyl Ointment (30g)

What is Proctosedyl Ointment?

Proctosedyl is an ointment that contains two different active ingredients: cinchocaine hydrochloride and hydrocortisone.

This ointment works to relieve the pain and discomfort that comes with haemorrhoids, commonly known as “piles”. It is prescribed to be used in the short term and should not be used for longer than 7 days.

You must have a prescription to buy Proctosedyl ointment. 

What is Proctosedyl used to treat?

Proctosedyl ointment is mostly used to treat the unpleasant symptoms which are associated with haemorrhoids, such as pain, itching and irritation.

This ointment comes in a tube that has an attachable plastic applicator, which makes it easy and hygienic to apply internally.

Haemorrhoids (piles) occur when the blood vessels in the anus become inflamed. This causes painful lumps in and/or around the anal area. A common problem, piles can occur in people of all ages as a result of a number of factors, such as:

• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Sitting down for too long
• Straining on the toilet
• A lack of fibre in your diet

Why is Proctosedyl recommended for treating haemorrhoids? 

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

Hydrocortisone is also a widely used corticosteroid medicine. It is used for effective short-term relief from a number of inflammatory conditions. 

How does Proctosedyl ointment work?

Proctosedyl works to provide full relief from the discomfort caused by haemorrhoids.

This ointment contains two different active ingredients. One active ingredient is cinchocaine hydrochloride, which is a local anaesthetic that blocks the pain messages along the nerve fibres at the area of treatment. Doing this reduces the pain caused by piles.

The second active ingredient is a corticosteroid medicine called hydrocortisone, which reduces inflammation. Inflammation is the result of an immune response that makes your blood vessels widen; this causes the affected area to become red, painful and swollen. This medicine works within the cells to reduce the substances that cause this inflammation.

Can you buy Proctosedyl over the counter?

No, you cannot buy Proctosedyl over the counter. It is only available on prescription.

Can you buy Proctosedyl online in the UK?

Proctosedyl ointment is only available to buy when you have a prescription. To safely order medicine online, you should only ever order from a UK-registered pharmacy, like Medicine Direct. We are fully regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

To buy Proctosedyl ointment from our online pharmacy, you will first need to fill out our online consultation questionnaire. One of our prescribers will review your answers to make sure that it is a suitable treatment for your problem. Next day delivery is available if you order by 2pm.

Proctosedyl alternatives

While haemorrhoids are a painful and uncomfortable condition to suffer from, there are a number of different treatments available to treat them.

Other topical prescription medicines can be ordered from our online pharmacy after you have completed an online consultation form. We stock the likes of Xyloproct and Uniroid, which also contain a corticosteroid and local anaesthetic medicine to relieve pain and inflammation simultaneously.

Additionally, over the counter treatments for haemorrhoids, such as Anusol Plus HC ointment, are available. This product contains several different active ingredients to both reduce the inflammation caused by piles and relieve pain straight away. The same medication is also available from our online pharmacy as a suppository.

How to use Proctosedyl

Always use Proctosedyl ointment exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has instructed you. Read the patient information leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Apply Proctosedyl to your anus in the morning, evening and after each bowel movement. Only apply this ointment to your back passage and the surrounding areas. Do not apply it to your face; do not swallow it or get it in your eyes.

Do not use Proctosedyl ointment for longer than 7 days.

If you feel this medicine is too strong or not strong enough, do not alter your dose without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist about it.

Always use this medicine as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

To apply the ointment to external haemorrhoids:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Squeeze a small amount of the ointment onto your fingertip.
3. Gently rub the ointment over the affected area.
4. After you have applied the ointment, wash your hands again.

To apply to internal haemorrhoids:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Screw the plastic nozzle onto the end of the tube.
3. Gently insert the nozzle into your anus.
4. As you pull the nozzle out, squeeze the tube gently.
5. Do not move for 1 or 2 minutes.
6. After use, wash your hands and the nozzle.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Proctosedyl ointment comes with the risk of side effects, although not everyone will be affected by them.

You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects last for longer than a few days or become severe:

• Thinning of the skin
• Blurred vision
• Skin rash

Using this ointment for a long time may cause adrenal suppression.

Symptoms of this include:

• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Feeling hungry or nervous
• Fits

Full details on side effects can be found in Proctosedy's patient information leaflet, which will come with your medication. 

Proctosedyl Ointment Warnings

Before you start taking a new medicine, inform your doctor or pharmacist of any other medicine you are already taking. This includes prescription and non-prescription medication, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.

Certain medicines can increase the effects of Proctosedyl ointment, including some medicines to treat HIV.

If you experience blurred vision while using Proctosedyl ointment, you should not drive, cycle or operate machinery. Seek medical attention straight away if you get blurred vision while using this medication.

This medication contains wool fat (lanolin). This ingredient may cause local skin reactions, such as contact dermatitis.

Always read the patient information leaflet for a comprehensive list of warnings and precautions.

Proctosedyl Ointment Ingredients

The main active ingredients within this medicine are: Hydrocortisone and Cinchocaine hydrochloride

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