$Unique_ID{BRK01983}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{HYDROCORTISONE, BENZYL BENZOATE, BISMUTH RESORCIN COMPOUND, BISMUTH}
$Subject{Anucort (G & W)
Anumed HC (Major)
Anusol HC (Parke-Davis)
Hemorrhoidal HC (various manufacturers)
Rectacort (Century)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


HYDROCORTISONE, BENZYL BENZOATE, BISMUTH RESORCIN COMPOUND, BISMUTH
SUBGALLATE, ZINC OXIDE, AND PERUVIAN BALSAM COMBINATION (TOPICAL)
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Anucort (G & W)
     Anumed HC (Major)
     Anusol HC (Parke-Davis)
     Hemorrhoidal HC (various manufacturers)
     Rectacort (Century)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Adrenocorticosteroid-containing hemorrhoidal and anorectal product
INGREDIENTS:
     hydrocortisone, benzyl benzoate, bismuth resorcin compound, bismuth
       subgallate, zinc oxide, and Peruvian balsam
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Rectal cream (0.5% hydrocortisone, 1.2% benzyl benzoate, 1.75% bismuth
       resorcin compound, 2.25% bismuth subgallate, 11% zinc oxide, and 1.8%
       Peruvian balsam)
     Rectal suppositories (10 mg hydrocortisone, 1.2% benzyl benzoate, 1.75%
       bismuth resorcin compound, 2.25% bismuth subgallate, 11% zinc oxide,
       and 1.8% Peruvian balsam per suppository)
STORAGE:
     The rectal cream should be stored at room temperature (never frozen) in a
       tightly closed container.  The rectal suppositories should be stored in
       a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator.

USES

     This combination medication is used to relieve the pain, itching, and
discomfort arising from hemorrhoids and irritated anorectal tissues.
     Your adrenal glands naturally produce certain cortisone-like chemicals.
These chemicals are involved in various regulatory processes in the body (such
as those involving fluid balance, temperature, and reaction to inflammation).
Hydrocortisone belongs to a group of drugs known as adrenocorticosteroids (or
cortisone-like drugs).  Hydrocortisone is used to relieve inflammation
(redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort).  Zinc oxide is an astringent
that causes shrinking and provides relief of irritation.  The other
ingredients provide a drying and softening effect.

TREATMENT

     Wash your hands before applying this medication.  To apply the rectal
cream, first wash and dry the rectal area and then gently rub in a small
amount of the cream.  If you must insert the cream inside the rectum, attach
the applicator tip to the opened tube.  It may be helpful to lubricate the
applicator with a small amount of petroleum jelly to ease insertion.  Insert
the applicator tip into the rectum and squeeze the tube.  Remove the
applicator from the tube and wash it with hot water and soap; then thoroughly
dry it before storing.  Be sure to put the top back on the tube.  Wash your
hands again after application.
     To insert the suppository, unwrap the suppository and moisten it slightly
with water (if the suppository is too soft to insert, run cold water over it
or refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes before you unwrap it).  Lie down on
your left side with your right knee bent.  Push the suppository well into the
rectum with your finger.  Try not to have a bowel movement for at least an
hour.  Wash your hands again after application.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, apply the cream or insert the
suppository as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next
application.  In that case, do not use the missed dose at all; just wait until
the next scheduled dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Burning sensation upon application.  The burning should disappear as your
body adjusts to the medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any additional inflammation or infection at the site of application, as well
as rectal pain, bleeding, leakage, itching, or blistering.

INTERACTIONS

     This medication should not interact with any other medications as long as
it is used according to the directions given to you by the doctor or
pharmacist.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
medications, especially to benzyl benzoate, bismuth resorcin compound, bismuth
subgallate, Peruvian balsam, or to hydrocortisone or any other
adrenocorticosteroid (such as amcinonide, betamethasone, clocortolone,
cortisone, desonide, desoximetasone, dexamethasone, diflorasone, flumethasone,
fluocinolone, fluocinonide, fluorometholone, flurandrenolide, halcinonide,
methylprednisolone, paramethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, and
triamcinolone).
     * If additional irritation develops while using this drug, immediately
discontinue its use and notify your doctor.
     * You should not use this medication for more than seven consecutive days
unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so.
     * If this drug stains your clothing, the stain may be removed by washing
with laundry detergent.
     * Wearing a sanitary napkin may help to protect clothing and to keep the
medication in the area.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  If large amounts of
hydrocortisone are applied for prolonged periods, some of it will be absorbed
and may cross the placenta.  Studies in humans have not been conducted, but
birth defects have been observed in the offspring of animals that were given
large oral doses of hydrocortisone during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor
if you are breast-feeding an infant.  If absorbed through the skin, small
amounts of hydrocortisone pass into breast milk and may cause growth
suppression or a decrease in natural adrenocorticosteroid hormone production
in the nursing infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
