Brand Names: Anucort-HC, Anumed-HC, Anusol-HC, Cortizone-10 Anal Itch Cream, Hemorrhoidal HC, Hemril-30, Hemril-HC Uniserts, Preparation H Hydrocortisone, Proctocort, Proctocream-HC, Procto-Kit 1%, Procto-Kit 2.5%, Procto-Pak 1%, Proctosert HC, Proctosol-HC, Proctozone HC, Proctozone-H, Recort Plus, Rectasol-HC, Tucks HC

Generic Name: hydrocortisone rectal (cream, ointment, suppository) (Pronunciation: hye dro KORT i zone REK tal)

• What is hydrocortisone rectal (Anusol Hc)?
• What are the possible side effects of hydrocortisone rectal?
• What is the most important information I should know about hydrocortisone rectal?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using hydrocortisone rectal?
• How should I use hydrocortisone rectal?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while using hydrocortisone rectal ?
• What other drugs will affect hydrocortisone rectal ?
• Where can I get more information?

What is hydrocortisone rectal (Anusol Hc)?

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

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

Hydrocortisone rectal is used to treat itching or swelling 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 may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of hydrocortisone rectal?

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 a serious side effect such as:

• 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. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Anusol Hc (hydrocortisone cream) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about hydrocortisone rectal?

The information in this medication guide is specific to hydrocortisone rectal cream, ointment, 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 medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start 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.