hydrocortisone, rectal suppository, enema, foam

Hydrocortisone is a natural corticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands that are located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions such as:

• arthritis,
• colitis,
• asthma,
• bronchitis,
• certain skin rashes, and
• allergic or inflammatory conditions of the nose and eyes.

There are numerous preparations of corticosteroids including oral tablets, capsules, liquids, topical creams and gels, inhalers and eye drops, as well as injectable and intravenous solutions. Hydrocortisone that is used for rectal conditions is discussed in this article. The FDA approved hydrocortisone in December 1952.

Cortifoam, Anusol-HC, Anucort-HC, Proctocort, Colocort

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

Yes

Hydrocortisone is used rectally for the treatment of ulcerative proctitis, inflamed hemorrhoids, and anal itching, burning, and inflammation caused by several conditions that affect the anal area.

Common side effects of hydrocortisone when applied to the rectum include:

• burning,
• dryness,
• itching,
• irritation,
• dryness,
• contact dermatitis,

Other side effects include:

• folliculitis,
• secondary infections, and
• lightening of skin color (hypopigmentation)

• For proctitis the usual dosage is one suppository applied in the morning and night time.
• Severe cases may require application 3 times daily or 2 suppositories twice daily.
• One enema is applied at bedtime for 21 days or until symptoms resolve.
• The dosing for foam is one applicator once daily or every 12 hours for 2-3 weeks, then every other day if necessary.

: The risk of drug interactions is low when hydrocortisone is administered rectally.

: Hydrocortisone has not been adequately evaluated during pregnancy.

Hydrocortisone taken orally can appear in breast milk, and can have adverse effects on the baby. It is not known whether hydrocortisone administered rectally is absorbed in sufficient amounts to appear in breast milk.

What preparations of hydrocortisone-rectal cream, ointment are available?

Enema: 100 mg/60 ml; Foam: 10% (15 g); Suppository: 25 and 30 mg

How should I keep hydrocortisone-rectal cream, ointment stored?

Hydrocortisone should be store at room temperature, 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F), in a sealed container.