hydrocortisone rectal foam (Cortifoam, Anusol-HC, Anucort-HC)

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, Cortenema, Hemmorex-HC

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.

Hydrocortisone's most common side effects when applied to the rectum include:

• include burning,
• dryness,
• itching,
• irritation,
• dryness,
• contact dermatitis,
• folliculitis,
• secondary infections, and
• lightening of skin color (hypopigmentation)

Other side effects include:

• local pain and
• rectal bleeding

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.

What preparations of hydrocortisone-rectal foam are available?

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

How should I keep hydrocortisone-rectal foam stored?

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