Hydrocortisone Foam (Anusol-HC) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

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What is hydrocortisone-rectal foam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

Hydrocortisone is a natural corticosteroid produced
by the adrenal glands that are located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids
have potent anti-inflammatory properties and are used in a wide variety of
inflammatory conditions such as
arthritis, colitis,
asthma,
bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of the
nose and eyes. There are numerous preparations of corticosteroids including oral
tablets, capsules, liquids, topical creams and gels, inhalers and eye drops, as
well as injectable and intravenous solutions. Hydrocortisone that is used for
rectal conditions is discussed in this article. The FDA approved hydrocortisone
in December 1952.

What brand names are available for hydrocortisone-rectal foam?

Cortifoam, Anusol-HC, Anucort-HC, Proctocort, Colocort, Cortenema, Hemmorex-HC

Is hydrocortisone-rectal foam available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Do I need a prescription for hydrocortisone-rectal foam?

Yes

What are the uses for hydrocortisone-rectal foam?

Hydrocortisone is used rectally for the treatment of
ulcerative proctitis, inflamed hemorrhoids, and anal itching, burning, and
inflammation caused by several conditions that affect the anal area.

What are the side effects of hydrocortisone-rectal foam?

Hydrocortisone’s most common side effects when applied to the rectum include:

• include burning,
• dryness,
• itching,
• irritation,
• dryness,
• contact dermatitis,
• folliculitis,
• secondary infections, and
• lightening of skin color (hypopigmentation)

Other side effects include:

• local pain and
• rectal bleeding

QUESTION

Everyone has hemorrhoids.
See Answer

What is the dosage for hydrocortisone-rectal foam?

For proctitis the usual dosage is one suppository applied in the
morning and night time. Severe cases may require application 3 times daily or 2
suppositories twice daily. One enema is applied at bedtime for 21 days or until
symptoms resolve. The dosing for foam is one applicator once daily or every 12
hours for 2-3 weeks, then every other day if necessary.

Which drugs or supplements interact with hydrocortisone-rectal foam?

The risk of drug interactions is low when hydrocortisone
is administered rectally.

What else should I know about hydrocortisone-rectal foam?

What preparations of hydrocortisone-rectal foam are available?

Enema: 100 mg/60 ml; Foam: 10% (15 g); Suppository: 25 and 30
mg

How should I keep hydrocortisone-rectal foam stored?

Hydrocortisone should be store at room temperature, 20 C to 25 C (68
F to 77 F), in a sealed container.