Proctosedyl is a commonly prescribed ointment used for the treatment of haemorrhoids. Developed and marketed in by Sanofi pharmaceutical company, this branded medication is classified as a combined treatment with two active ingredients, a corticosteroid hydrochloride and a local anaesthetic cinchocaine hydrochloride. Within the UK, Proctosedyl can be obtained in two different forms, an ointment and a suppository. This medication is used twice per day (with one additional use after defecation) for a maximum period of one week. The research conducted so far confirmed that Proctosedyl is a very efficient in providing relatively quick and efficient relief from piles.

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When should haemorrhoid treatment be used?

Haemorrhoids, more commonly known as piles are caused by varicose veins in the anal and rectal region which manifest through uncomfortable and often painful swelling and irritation in the affected areas, most commonly experienced when sitting or right after passing stools. The medical experts have identified high blood pressure in the veins surrounding the anus as the root cause of haemorrhoids. However, the exact reason for the initial increase in blood pressure that leads to the characteristic symptoms can significantly vary among individuals, ranging from obesity or constipation to diarrhoea or other underlying medical conditions.

In most cases, piles will be a temporary problem that will clear up without any medical intervention. However, there are certain cases when this condition appears to be long-term and very uncomfortable. In those cases, as well as in cases when blood is present following defecations, you should definitely consult with a doctor regarding the treatment you should begin using to mitigate this issue.

How does Proctosedyl help with piles?

Similarly to many other haemorrhoid treatments available at the UK market (for example Anugesic), Proctosedyl aims to alleviate immediate discomfort caused by piles, while at the same tame tackling the more complex problems that are contributing to this condition. As was mentioned, Proctosedyl is a combined haemorrhoid medication that contains two active ingredients, playing two distinct roles. Cinchocaine hydrochloride is a topical anaesthetic which is highly adept at alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by piles, thus providing immediate relief. On the other hand, a corticosteroid hydrocortisone will act by mitigating the inflammatory processes that are taking place in the affected region.

Can I buy Proctosedyl online in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to buy Proctosedyl online. However, you should keep in mind that this is a prescription-only treatment (in both of its forms) and as such it can be obtained only with a valid prescription issued by a certified medical professional. This is true regardless of whether you are buying Proctosedyl online or in your local pharmacy – in both cases you will have to provide a prescription, meaning that you will have to consult with a doctor beforehand so he can give you his approval to use this medication.

If you decide to buy Proctosedyl from the comfort of your own home, you can easily do so through any of the numerous online clinics operating within the UK, using the functionality of their website. Once you click to purchase the medication, you will be asked to provide the proof of your prescription. If you still don’t have one, then you will be redirected to consultations with a doctor. Usually, they will be conducted through the use of a customised medical questionnaire that you will be required to complete.

The doctor will use the information you provided to assess your suitability for using Proctosedyl. If everything checks out, the prescription will be issued and used that very same moment to have the medication sent from a partner pharmacy to the address you provided during the sign up process.

How is Proctosedyl used?

The exact mode of administration of Proctosedyl will depend on whether you are using the suppository or ointment version of the medication. If you are using the suppository version, you will be required to insert it into the rectum, once in the morning, once in the evening and once after each defecation. On the other hand, ointment should be spread as a thin layer over the affected area, but with the same schedule and frequency. And if you have internal haemorrhoids, you should be using a screw-on applicator nozzle that is supplied with the ointment version.

However, with either version of the medication, you should make sure not to use it more than the maximum of seven days. If the symptoms persist after this period, or if you notice blood during defecation, you should contact your doctor and ask for advice.

Finally, it goes without saying that you should always use this medication exactly as instructed by your prescriber. By doing so, you will not only ensure the best possible results with Proctosedyl, but will also minimise the risk of experiencing side effects.

What are Proctosedyl side effects?

As is the case with all prescription medications, Proctosedyl can also cause certain side effects in people who are susceptible to them. While following your doctor’s instructions will greatly help you in minimising the risks, certain problems might still manifest, which is why it is important to get familiar with the potential side effects before commencing the treatment.

Below, we will discuss some of the documented Proctosedyl side effects, but it is important to note that the information provided here is not a full list of all known adverse effects. Instead, it serves more as an illustration that should help our readers get a better understanding of what Proctosedyl treatment might involve in terms of side effects. For a more comprehensive overview, please refer to the official patient information leaflet that you can find within your pack of Proctosedyl.

When speaking about side effects of this medication, one has to mention the importance of being able to differentiate between those side effects which might be indicative of you not being suitable for Proctosedyl and those which are uncomfortable, but expected to a certain extent, especially in prolonged use of the treatment.

If you notice itching or burning in your anal cavity (when using suppositories) or rash and thinning of the skin (when using ointment version), you should halt the treatment and contact your doctor or local emergency about how should you proceed.

On the other hand, the following side effects have been documented, but are not considered to be a cause for concern, at least if they are not present for prolonged periods of time:

  • Symptoms of adrenal suppression
  • Stomach pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight fluctuations
  • General malaise
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • Fits
  • Problems concentrating