hydrocortisone rectal (cream, suppository)

The information in this medication guide is specific to hydrocortisone rectal cream or suppository.

Do not take hydrocortisone rectal by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You may need to use this medication for up to 8 weeks.

Call your doctor at once if you have any bleeding from your rectum, feeling short of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling of your ankles or feet, or rapid weight gain.

There may be other drugs that can interact with hydrocortisone rectal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse after using this medicine for a few days.

Hydrocortisone is a steroid medicine that reduces inflammation in the body.

The information in this medication guide is specific to hydrocortisone rectal cream or suppository.

Hydrocortisone rectal is used to treat hemorrhoids and itching or swelling of the rectal area caused by hemorrhoids or other inflammatory conditions of the rectum or anus.

Hydrocortisone rectal is also used together with other medications to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and other inflammatory conditions of the lower intestines and rectal area.

Hydrocortisone rectal cream or suppositories may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• congestive heart failure;
• a history of tuberculosis;
• stomach ulcer or diverticulitis;
• a colostomy or ileostomy;
• fever or any type of infection;
• kidney disease;
• high blood pressure; or
• myasthenia gravis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use hydrocortisone rectal cream or suppositories, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Steroid medicines may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. You may also need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medications.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether hydrocortisone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Do not take hydrocortisone rectal by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You may need to use this medication for up to 8 weeks.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.

Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the hydrocortisone rectal cream or suppository.

Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands. The rectal suppository can stain clothing or other fabrics it comes into contact with.

For best results from the suppository, lie down after inserting it and hold in the suppository. The suppository will melt quickly once inserted and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in.

For best results from the cream, use only the applicator provided with the medication. Otherwise, follow the directions provided with your rectal cream.

Avoid using the bathroom for one to three hours after inserting the cream or suppository.

For best results from the enema, lie down on your left side for at least 30 minutes after using the enema to allow the liquid to distribute throughout your intestines. Try to hold in the enema all night if possible. Avoid using the bathroom during this time.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse after using this medicine for a few days.

Store the rectal cream at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store the rectal suppositories at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not refrigerate or freeze them.

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of hydrocortisone cream or suppositories is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. However, long-term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Avoid getting a vaccine during your treatment with hydrocortisone rectal. Vaccines may not work as well while you are using a steroid medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling of your ankles or feet;
• muscle weakness;
• rapid weight gain, especially in your face and midsection;
• severe rectal pain or burning;
• bleeding from your rectum;
• severe stomach pain;
• sudden and severe headache or pain behind your eyes; or
• seizure (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild rectal pain or burning;
• acne;
• changes in your menstrual periods;
• increased sweating; or
• increased facial or body hair growth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

Before using hydrocortisone rectal, tell your doctor if you also use insulin or other diabetes medications you take by mouth.

There may be other drugs that can interact with hydrocortisone rectal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about hydrocortisone rectal cream or suppositories.