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" What is it used for?  Piles (haemorrhoids). Anal itch.   How does it work? Anusol plus HC ointment and suppositories contains a number of ingredients which are useful in the relief of symptoms associated with internal piles (haemorrhoids) and other local skin irritations in the anal area. Hydrocortisone acetate belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids, which are used for reducing inflammation. Irritation of the skin or membranes causes the release of substances that dilate blood vessels causing the area to become red, swollen and painful. As the medicine is absorbed it inhibits the action of these substances allowing the blood vessels to return to their normal size, reducing the discomfort. Bismuth oxide, bismuth subgallate, balsam peru and zinc oxide have mild antiseptic, protective and astringent properties (i.e. constrict blood vessels). Balsam peru is also believed to promote the growth of new skin cells. When this preparation is administered into the the back-passage (rectum), it relieves the discomfort caused by internal and external haemorrhoids and other irritations in the anal area. Anusol Plus HC is available as suppositories or ointment. Since the suppositories are inserted into the rectum they are more suitable for internal piles, while the ointment can be used to relieve both internal and external piles.   How do I use it?  Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying this medicine.  Anusol Plus HC ointment and suppositories should be used after the bowels have been emptied. The area around the anus should be thoroughly washed and dried before using this preparation.   Anusol Plus HC ointment can be used internally or externally for the anal area. For application into the back passage, a nozzle provided with the cream should be screwed on to the tube. The nozzle should then be gently inserted into the rectum and a small amount of cream squeezed out. The nozzle should be withdrawn slowly. The nozzle should be thoroughly cleaned after each use.  Anusol Plus HC ointmentsuppositories are to beinserted into the rectum only.  Anusol Plus HC ointment preparations should be used in the morning, at night and after each bowel movement.   Warning!  Anusol Plus HC preparations are not to be taken by mouth. If symptoms persist despite treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist. If irritation or rectal bleeding occurs treatment should be discontinued. Do not use this medicine for longer than seven days, unless under medical supervision.   Not to be used in  Children. Herpes simplex viral infections. Skin sores caused by tuberculosis. Viral or fungal infection.  This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.   Pregnancy and breastfeeding Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.  This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.  There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by breastfeeding mothers.    Side effects Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.  Sensitisation or allergic reactions. Burning sensation.  The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine&amp;#039;s manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.   How can this medicine affect other medicines? This medicine is not known to affect any other medicines. However, as with all medicines, if you are already taking any other medicines you should always check with your pharmacist before taking this one as well.    Other medicines containing the same active ingredients There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain this combination of active ingredients.  Last updated 11.06.2012 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/digestive-health/a6222/anusol-plus-hc/>