Brand Name
Anugesic-HC
Common Name
pramoxine - hydrocortisone - zinc sulfate monohydrate
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 00505781 | ANUGESIC-HC OINTMENT |
| 00476242 | ANUGESIC-HC SUPPOSITORIES |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
This combination product contains 3 medications: pramoxine, hydrocortisone, and zinc sulfate. Pramoxine is a topical anesthetic, which makes the affected areas numb. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid with an anti-inflammatory effect. It
reduces swelling, itching, and discomfort. Zinc reduces itching and discomfort and helps prevent infection by protecting the areas to which it is applied. This medication is used to relieve pain, swelling, itching, and discomfort in the anal area due
to a variety of causes, including rectal surgery for hemorrhoids.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended starting dose of this medication is one suppository or application of ointment in the morning and at bedtime and after each bowel movement. After pain and discomfort have been reduced, use the suppository or ointment daily as directed
by your doctor to prevent the discomfort from returning.
Suppository: Bathe and dry the affected anal area. Insert one suppository into the rectum. The suppository is most easily inserted while in a stooped or squatting position or while lying on your side with your knees flexed. By applying a slight bearing
down pressure, the anal opening (sphincter) will relax and allow for easy insertion of the suppository.
Ointment: Bathe and dry the affected anal area. Attach the plastic applicator to the tube and insert it into the rectum to its full extent, then slowly withdraw while gently squeezing the tube. You may also apply the ointment to the outside surface
of the anus to relieve any external discomfort. Wash the applicator after use.
Do not use this medication for future hemorrhoid problems unless instructed to do so.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are
taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular
dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Ointment
Each tube contains pramoxine HCl 1%, hydrocortisone acetate 0.5%, and zinc sulfate monohydrate 0.5% in a petroleum ointment base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium phosphate, methylparaben, mineral oil, petrolatum, poloxyl-2-oleyl ether, and propylparaben.
Suppositories
Each white-coloured suppository contains pramoxine HCl 20 mg, hydrocortisone acetate 10 mg, and zinc sulfate monohydrate 10 mg in a base of triglycerides. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, methylparaben,
propylparaben, and triglyceride base.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you:
- are allergic to pramoxine, hydrocortisone, zinc sulfate, or any ingredients of this medication
- have a tuberculosis, fungal, or viral infection of the skin
