Rectocare 0.4% Ointment

Uses of Rectocare 0.4% Ointment

It is used in adults to:

• Relieve and treat symptoms of anal fissures
• Relieve pain and discomfort due to hemorrhoids (swelling of veins in anus, rectum) and haemorrhoidectomy (operation to remove hemorrhoids).

How does Rectocare 0.4% Ointment work?

Rectocare 0.4% Ointment relaxes the muscles present around your anus. This improves blood flow and reduces pain.

Side Effects of Rectocare 0.4% Ointment

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Burning sensation at the application site
• Anal or rectal discomfort
• Itching in the anal canal
• Faster heartbeat

Quick Suggestions:

• Rectocare 0.4% Ointment is given via a drip into a vein under the supervision of a doctor.
• It may cause headaches which usually go away after a few days of continued treatment. Inform your doctor if it persists.
• Rectocare may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how it affects you.
• Stop taking Rectocare 0.4% Ointment (prescribed for erectile dysfunction) like sildenafil or tadalafil while on treatment with Rectocare as it may cause low blood pressure.

Indication of Rectocare 0.4% Ointment

An anal fissure is a small tear in the skin around the anus, typically caused by conditions such as constipation or diarrhea. The symptoms of an anal fissure commonly include pain and bleeding during bowel movements.

Rectocare 0.4% Ointment contains Nitroglycerin, which is a vasodilator. Vasodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the anus, improving blood flow, and reducing pain. This can help alleviate the symptoms associated with an anal fissure.

Pharmacology

Rectocare 0.4% Ointment, which contains glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin), primarily acts by releasing nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps to relax the muscles, including the internal anal sphincter, when the ointment is applied intra-anally.

The relaxation of the internal anal sphincter is important in the treatment of anal fissures because hypertonicity (increased tension) of this sphincter is considered a risk factor for the development of anal fissures. By relaxing the internal anal sphincter, Rectocare 0.4% Ointment helps improve blood flow and reduce the pressure within the anal canal, thus relieving symptoms and promoting the healing of anal fissures.

It is important to note that the use of Rectocare 0.4% Ointment should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional, who can provide appropriate instructions and monitor the progress of treatment.

Dosage & Administration of Rectocare 0.4% Ointment

To apply Rectocare 0.4% Ointment, follow these steps:

• Before applying the ointment, ensure proper hand hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly. It is recommended to wear disposable gloves or use a finger covering, such as cling film, to protect your finger.
• Squeeze out approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) of ointment from the tube onto your finger. The packaging may have a measuring line to help you gauge the appropriate amount.
• Carefully apply the ointment around the anus, covering a 2.5 cm (1 inch) area of the skin surrounding the anus. If possible, gently insert a little ointment inside the anus. Take care to avoid contact with your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or vagina.
• After applying the ointment, discard the gloves or remove the finger covering, and wash your hands thoroughly.
• Use Rectocare 0.4% Ointment as directed by your physician. It is important to follow the prescribed dose and frequency of application. Typically, the ointment is applied every 12 hours.
• Continue using the ointment until the pain subsides, up to a maximum treatment duration of 8 weeks, as advised by your doctor.

It is important to adhere to the instructions provided by your healthcare professional and complete the prescribed treatment course. If you have any questions or concerns about the application of Rectocare 0.4% Ointment, consult your doctor for guidance.

Interaction

Before using Rectocare 0.4% Ointment, it is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Medications are used to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil citrate, tadalafil, and vardenafil.
• Medications are used to treat migraines, such as dihydroergotamine.
• Medications are used to treat heart problems, such as isosorbide dinitrate, amyl or butyl nitrite, and enalapril.
• Medications are used to treat depression, such as amitriptyline, amoxapine, and desipramine.
• Medications used to treat liver problems, such as acetylcysteine.
• Medications are used to prevent blood clots, such as alteplase.

It is important to note that combining calcium channel blockers, antihypertensives, phenothiazines, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) with glyceryl trinitrate may potentially lead to orthostatic hypotension. Consumption of alcohol with glyceryl trinitrate can cause severe hypotension and collapse.

Always inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, to ensure the safe and effective use of Rectocare 0.4% Ointment.

Contraindications

It is important not to use Rectocare 0.4% Ointment if you:

• Are allergic to glyceryl trinitrate or similar medicines.
• Suffer from low blood pressure.
• Have heart or blood vessel disorders.
• Have closed-angle glaucoma.
• Have migraine or recurrent headaches.
• Have increased intracranial pressure or high pressure within your skull.
• Have anemia.
• Are taking any of the following medicines: sildenafil citrate, tadalafil, vardenafil, medicines for angina or heart pain such as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), isosorbide dinitrate, amyl or butyl nitrite, medicines for high blood pressure or depression (tricyclic antidepressants), acetylcysteine, or alteplase.

Pregnancy & Lactation

There is limited information available regarding the use of Nitroglycerin in pregnant women. Animal studies have not provided clear information on the effects of Nitroglycerin on pregnancy, embryonal/fetal development, parturition, and postnatal development. Therefore, the use of Nitroglycerin ointment is not recommended during pregnancy.

It is not known whether Nitroglycerin is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for harm to the breastfed infant, it is advised to avoid using Nitroglycerin ointment while breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss the potential risks and benefits of any medication. They can provide guidance on alternative treatments that may be safer during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Precautions & Warnings

• Caution should be exercised when using Nitroglycerin 0.4% ointment in patients with severe hepatic or renal illness. It should not be used in patients with severe anemia, glaucoma, hypotension, or high intracranial pressure.
• Special care should be taken if the patient has liver or kidney disease, is receiving heparin treatment, or experiences increased bleeding with hemorrhoids. If severe headaches occur while using the ointment, medical attention should be sought.
• Nitroglycerin ointment can lower blood pressure, and this effect may be enhanced if alcohol is consumed while using the ointment. It should not be used in patients under the age of 18.
• Additionally, Nitroglycerin 0.2% ointment should not be used if the patient is allergic to nitroglycerin or any other ingredients in the ointment. It is not recommended for use in patients with severe anemia, glaucoma, or increased pressure inside the head.
• In pediatric patients, Rectocare 0.4% Ointment is not recommended without consulting a doctor. In geriatric patients, caution should be exercised, and the doctor may consider adjusting the dose.

Storage Conditions

• Keep Rectocare 0.4% Ointment out of reach of children.
• Store Rectocare 0.4% Ointment at room temperature below 25°C