Xyloproct Ointment (20g)

What is Xyloproct?

Xyloproct is a topical treatment that contains two medicines: lidocaine and hydrocortisone.

It can be used by both adults and children of all ages, but you need a prescription to buy Xyloproct.  

What is Xyloproct used to treat?

It is used in the short term to relieve anal and vaginal itching, as well as treat the symptoms of haemorrhoids (piles).

Xyloproct ointment can be used by both adults and children to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of haemorrhoids, such as swelling and itching. It can also be prescribed to relieve itching in the back passage and the vagina.

Haemorrhoids are a common problem that can affect people of all ages. They will normally go away on their own, but sometimes an ointment or cream is required for the pain and swelling.

You may be suffering from piles if you have any of these symptoms:

• Bleeding or swelling in the anus
• Pain or discomfort in or around the anus
• Lumps around your anus
• Itching or irritation in or around the anus

Why is Xyloproct recommended for treating piles?

Xyloproct ointment is able to reduce the risk of infection as well as relieve swelling and discomfort. It can be applied several times a day to both the outside and inside of the back passage.

Lidocaine has been clinically researched and found to be a safe and effective treatment for rectal pain caused by a number of conditions, including haemorrhoids. 

How does Xyloproct work?

Xyloproct contains two active ingredients, one of which is lidocaine, which belongs to a group of medicines known as local anaesthetics. Lidocaine works as a numbing agent and reduces the nerve impulses travelling from the affected area to the brain. This relieves the pain associated with haemorrhoids.

The second active ingredient is hydrocortisone, which belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. These medicines have anti-inflammatory properties, so hydrocortisone will work to reduce the swelling caused by piles.

Who can use Xyloproct ointment?

Do not use Xyloproct ointment if any of the following apply to you:

• You are allergic to lidocaine, hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients contained in this medication (please refer to the Ingredients tab for a full list of substances)
• You have ever suffered an allergic reaction to other corticosteroids or local anaesthetics in the past
• You have an infection in the affected area that is not being treated
• You are not currently in hospital and are taking any medicine to treat an uneven heartbeat

Can you buy Xyloproct over the counter?

No, Xyloproct is a prescription-only medicine (POM). It cannot be bought over the counter.

Can you buy Xyloproct online in the UK?

Xyloproct is only available on prescription. You can buy Xyloproct from Medicine Direct by completing a short and confidential online consultation. Your answers will be assessed by one of our certified prescribers, who will make sure it is safe for you to use.

Next day delivery is available if your order is placed by 2pm.

For your own safety, you should not buy medicine online from anywhere other than regulated pharmacies, like Medicine Direct. We are fully regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which means we can guarantee that all of our medicine is safe and approved for sale in the UK.

Xyloproct alternatives

Over the counter medications like Anusol Plus HC ointment and suppositories are available, too. These medicines contain six active ingredients to give comprehensive relief from the inflammation and discomfort caused by haemorrhoids.

You can buy these medicines from our pharmacy without a prescription, but you will still need to fill out an online questionnaire.

Making healthy changes to your lifestyle can help to prevent and treat piles. Adding more fibre to your diet is one way that this condition can be treated and prevented. The likes of wholegrain bread, porridge oats, potatoes with their skins on and wholegrain muesli are all excellent sources of fibre that can be easily incorporated into a person's diet.

You should also take regular exercise, drink lots of water and limit how much caffeine and alcohol you consume.

How to use Xyloproct

Always use this medicine as your doctor has told you. Read the patient information leaflet for full instructions.

Usually, you will be instructed to apply Xyloproct to the affected area several times a day. Up to a third of the tube (6g) can be applied each day.

Xyloproct should be used in the short term. If you have been prescribed this medicine for a longer treatment period, it can be used for up to three weeks, although you may need a break during this time.

If you need to use the ointment internally, use the applicator which will come with Xyloproct to apply the medicine. Clean the applicator thoroughly after each time you use it.

Wash your hands before and after applying the ointment.

Using the applicator

Xyloproct ointment comes with an applicator and your doctor or pharmacist will tell you whether or not you will need to use it.

If you are told to use the applicator, make sure you do not insert too much ointment into the rectum. This is particularly important if Xyloproct has been prescribed as a treatment for a child.

If you do need to use the applicator, be sure to clean it thoroughly after each use.

Xyloproct Side Effects

Like all medications, Xyloproct can cause side effects, although these will not appear in everyone who uses it.

Speak to your doctor straight away if you get any of the following reactions:

• Soreness in the anus
• Bleeding from the anus

This list may not be exhaustive. Always read the patient information leaflet before you start using a new medicine; here, you will find a comprehensive list of known side effects.

Xyloproct Ointment Warnings

Xyloproct is not known to affect other medicines, but you should still tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are already using any other prescription or non-prescription medication before you start using Xyloproct. This includes herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.

It is especially important that you tell them if you are already using any of the following medicines:

• Any other local anaesthetic medicines
• Any medicines used to treat an uneven heartbeat, such as amiodarone or sotalol

Xyloproct contains cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions, such as contact dermatitis.

Read the patient information leaflet for a complete list of warnings.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

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

We recommend BUMPs for more information.

Xyloproct Ointment Ingredients

The main active ingredients within this medicine are: Lidocaine and Hydrocortisone acetate

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