Xyloproct is a commonly prescribed haemorrhoid treatment available in the form of an ointment that should be applied to the affected area in order to relieve the uncomfortable and oftentimes painful symptoms of piles. With a special applicator for internal use supplied with the medication, Xyloproct can be used in the management of both internal and external haemorrhoids, so with this ointment, suppositories will not be required. Developed and manufactured by AstraZeneca pharmaceutical company, this branded medication is classified as a combined treatment, meaning it contains a number of different active ingredients that aim to tackle the symptoms of haemorrhoids in different ways, contributing to efficient and multidimensional relief.

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Should I seek medical help?

One of the main issues with haemorrhoids is that it can be hard to determine when medical attention and prescription treatment might be necessary. While piles are known to be very uncomfortable and oftentimes painful, they are also, in most cases, a rather benign condition that will cause significant discomfort before eventually subsiding and disappearing completely without any treatment whatsoever.

So, when should you stop waiting for piles to disappear by themselves and consult with the doctor about possible treatment? Well, regarding consultations, there is nothing stopping you from doing so as soon as you notice the first symptoms. This is even recommended, since a certified medical professional will certainly know when prescription treatment might be necessary, and so maintaining contact with your doctor and keeping him informed about the development of the condition might be the safest way to learn when exactly medication might become necessary.

As a rule of thumb, the doctor will recommend haemorrhoid treatment such as Xyloproct or Proctosedyl if the condition doesn’t exhibit the signs of diminishing for prolonged periods of time, if it causes significant discomfort, affecting everyday life and activities or if the bleeding accompanying piles is increasing.

How does Xyloproct help with haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids are caused by elevated pressure in the blood vessels around and inside the anus, causing them to become inflamed and varicose. While the exact reasons for this increase in pressure are still debated in the medical community, their consequences are well known and they include irritation, discomfort, swelling, pain and occasional appearance of blood following defecation. As such, piles are a rather complex medical condition and their treatment is mostly symptomatic, meaning it aims to provide relief from symptoms, reduce subjectively experienced discomfort and facilitate healing and regrowth of healthier tissue.

Xyloproct is no different. As a combined treatment, this haemorrhoid medication contains several distinct active ingredients which approach the problem of piles from different angles, acting through different mechanism of actions. Lidocaine, one of the core active ingredients of Xyloproct is a mild anaesthetic and as such, it will effectively reduce the discomfort experienced.

At the same time, hydrocortisone, a type of steroid, will act by inhibiting the release of a naturally produced compound that occurs during autoimmune response to varicose veins. As a result, this active ingredient of Xyloproct will successfully decrease swelling and inflammation in the affected area.

Finally, zinc oxide, a compound commonly used in piles medications, will prevent secondary infections, while facilitating tissue regeneration.

How to use Xyloproct?

When using Xyloproct, you should always precisely follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. By doing so, you will make the most out of this treatment, while at the same time minimising the risk of experiencing side effects. Xyloproct ointment is a rather safe and reliable medication which, on top of that, is very easy to use, however, that doesn’t mean that you can utilise it without the doctor’s advice.

This is why it is important to make sure that there are no open questions prior to commencing treatment. And if you need a quick recap, you can always contact your doctor or, alternatively, refer to the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of Xyloproct.

Below, we will provide you with some of the most general guidelines that you should keep in mind when using Xyloproct. However, it is important to note that this is just a brief summary and can never be used as a substitute for the doctor’s instructions, nor official information available in the official patient information leaflet.

  • Always use as instructed
  • Most of the time, this will involve applying Xyloproct ointment to the affected region at regular intervals
  • The frequency of applications and exact dosages will be determined by your prescriber
  • The maximum daily dose must not exceed 6g
  • The treatment should be used for a maximum of 7 days
  • If there is the need for even longer treatment, the doctor is likely to advise undergoing so-called rest periods to limit the risk of irritation
  • For internal application, use the applicator supplied with Xyloproct
  • Never exceed the prescribed dose
  • If you miss a dose, do not try to compensate, just continue with your treatment as usual

What are Xyloproct side effects?

As mentioned, Xyloproct is a rather safe medication, but despite this, certain side effects can manifest in a fraction of patients who are especially susceptible to them. While the appearance of any side effects whatsoever can be reason enough to contact your doctor and ask about how to act next, the following symptoms can be especially concerning and if you notice any of those, you should immediately contact your doctor or local emergency service:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Rash, soreness or bleeding from the anus
  • Symptoms of allergic reaction

Other documented side effects include:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Itching

Please keep in mind that Xyloproct side effects mentioned here are only the most commonly reported ones. For a more comprehensive list, please refer to the official patient information leaflet.

Is Xyloproct the right medicine for me?

This is the question that can be answered only by your doctor after learning about your medical profile and history. And while Xyloproct should be safe for a majority of people, there are some situations when its use can be contraindicated. This can be the function if you are currently taking other medications such as:

  • Amiodarone
  • Sotalol
  • Other local anaesthetics

In addition to this, Xyloproct should not be used by people allergic to any of its ingredients, if you are currently affected by an untreated infection or if you have a history of porphyria.