This medication is a combination product that is used to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation of hemorrhoids and other rectal lesions. It is also used to treat proctitis, fissures, cryptitis, pain following rectal surgery, and rectal itching.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Ointment: For treatment of the outside area of the anus, apply a small quantity to the affected area morning and evening and after each bowel movement. For internal application, attach the rectal cannula (the plastic attachment that is included with the medication) to the tube opening, gently insert to the full extent inside the anus, and squeeze the tube gently from the lower end while withdrawing.

Suppositories: Insert one suppository into the rectum morning and evening and after each bowel movement.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to any ingredients of the medication
• have tuberculosis or a fungal or viral infection

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• burning upon application of medication (especially if the mucus membrane is not intact)
• discomfort or pain around the anus or rectum
• itching
• rash

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a severe allergic reaction:
• difficulty breathing
• hives
• skin blisters
• sores or pain in the mouth or eyes
• swelling of the mouth or throat

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Absorption: Prolonged use of this medication or applying it to open skin or wounds could promote the absorption of this medication into the blood circulation. This can produce effects similar to those seen after taking oral corticosteroid medications for long periods of time. Symptoms could include depression, headache, mood swings, rounding of the face, slow healing of wounds, swelling of the feet or lower legs, trouble sleeping, and unusual hair growth. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur.

Medical treatment: Let all your doctors know about any previous use of hydrocortisone.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication may pass into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are using this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.