Proctosedyl

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Proctosedyl® is available as an ointment and as suppositories. Suppositories are for internal haemorrhoids, and the ointment is for external haemorrhoids. Read more about types of haemorrhoids and their symptoms.

• Always use your Proctosedyl exactly as your healthcare provider has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine or the packaging will tell you how much Proctosedyl to use, how often to use it and any special instructions.
• When it's prescribed by your healthcare provider, Proctosedyl is usually recommended as either a small amount of ointment or 1 suppository, 3 times a day for the first week. This is then reduced to twice a day for the second week, and to once a day for the third week. 
• Don’t use Proctosedyl ointment or suppositories for more than 7 days unless advised to by your healthcare provider.

• Timing: It’s best to use Proctosedyl® after a bowel motion (poo). Wash and dry your rectum and wash your hands before using Proctosedyl.
• Suppositories: These should be stored in the fridge. Before using, remove 1 from the fridge and warm it up in the palm of your hand with the wrapping on. Then remove the wrapping before inserting. Read more about how to use suppositories.
• You may feel the urge to force out the suppository. The urge should stop once the suppository melts, which should only take a few minutes.
• Ointment for the outside of your rectum: Wash your hands with soap and water or wear gloves. Apply a small amount of ointment to a finger. Gently apply to the affected area.
• Ointment for internal application: The ointment comes with a nozzle for application into your rectum. Attach the nozzle and its cap tightly onto the ointment tube, then remove the cap and insert the nozzle into your rectum. Gently squeeze the tube so some ointment comes out. Squeeze the tube as you take the nozzle out of your rectum. Wash the nozzle in warm, soapy water before putting the cap back on.
• Sometimes the suppository or ointment may leak a bit. You can use absorbent pads in your underwear just in case.

Like all medicines, Proctosedyl can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you.

• A feeling of burning, stinging or tingling in the rectum.

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Changes to your vision such as blurred vision.

Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur

• signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, like a tight chest or shortness of breath.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction that you think might be a side effect.