Anusol HC

How to order Anusol HC

1. Find the drug you need on our site.
2. Pick a clinic. See the price.
3. Fill in a short health form.
4. A doctor reads your form.
5. If it is safe for you, they say yes.
6. Your order ships fast to your door.
7. It comes in a plain, sealed box.

Why use us? We compare UK clinics. We show you the price and how fast they ship. We do not sell drugs. We just help you find the best one for you.

Is it safe? Yes. All our clinics are UK-based. A real doctor reads each form. They will not sell to you if it is not safe for you.

Anusol HC on Prescriptsy

Anusol HC is described on Prescriptsy as independent product information.

Here you can understand how online consultation works, what medical checks partner clinics carry out, and which factors matter when comparing providers.

We do not sell medicines directly, but help users compare licensed healthcare partners on price, delivery speed, service quality, and overall trustworthiness.

Anusol HC is a prescription-only anorectal preparation combining hydrocortisone acetate with bismuth subgallate, bismuth oxide, zinc oxide, and balsam Peru for the treatment of haemorrhoids (piles), pruritus ani (anal itching), and minor anorectal inflammation.

The hydrocortisone component provides anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive effects, while the bismuth and zinc oxide compounds offer astringent and protective properties to the inflamed anorectal mucosa.

Anusol HC is available in both suppository and cream formulations, allowing treatment of both internal and external haemorrhoidal symptoms.

Haemorrhoidal disease is extremely common in the United Kingdom, affecting an estimated 40-50% of the adult population at some point in their lives.

Internal haemorrhoids arise from the superior haemorrhoidal venous plexus above the dentate line, while external haemorrhoids originate from the inferior plexus below the dentate line.

Symptoms include perianal itching, discomfort, swelling, mucous discharge, and bright red bleeding during or after defecation.

Risk factors include straining during bowel movements, chronic constipation, pregnancy, obesity, a low-fibre diet, and prolonged sitting.

This product information has been reviewed by Dr.

Claire Phipps, MBBS MRCGP (GMC 7014359), and provides a thorough clinical summary of Anusol HC, including its composition, proper use, duration of treatment, potential side effects, and when to seek further medical assessment for anorectal symptoms.

Important safety information about Anusol HC

Anusol HC contains a topical corticosteroid and should be used for no more than 7 days without medical advice.

Prolonged use of topical steroids on the thin perianal skin carries real risks of skin damage. Three important points to keep in mind:

• Persistent rectal bleeding requires GP assessment. While haemorrhoids are the most common cause of bright red rectal bleeding, this symptom can also indicate colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal cancer. Any new rectal bleeding, especially in patients over 40, should be evaluated.
• A change in bowel habit lasting more than 3 weeks warrants investigation. Contact your GP, who may arrange blood tests, a faecal immunochemical test (FIT), or referral for colonoscopy under the 2-week wait pathway if colorectal cancer is suspected.
• Do not use Anusol HC if you suspect a perianal abscess (severe, persistent throbbing pain with swelling, often with fever). Perianal abscesses require medical drainage and antibiotic treatment. Applying corticosteroid to an abscess may worsen the infection.

If your haemorrhoidal symptoms recur frequently despite dietary and lifestyle modification, discuss further management options with your GP, including referral to a colorectal surgeon for procedures such as rubber band ligation, injection sclerotherapy, haemorrhoidal artery ligation, or surgical haemorrhoidectomy.

Learn more about online GP consultations if you wish to discuss anorectal symptoms from home.

What Anusol HC contains and how it works

Anusol HC suppositories and cream contain a combination of active ingredients designed to address the multiple symptoms of haemorrhoidal disease simultaneously. The formulation contains five active components with complementary mechanisms:

Hydrocortisone acetate (10mg per suppository, 0.5% w/w in cream): A mild (Group I, least potent) topical corticosteroid that reduces inflammation by suppressing the migration of polymorphonuclear leucocytes, reducing capillary permeability, and inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators including prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

This directly addresses the swelling, redness, and itching associated with inflamed haemorrhoids.

Bismuth subgallate (59mg per suppository) and bismuth oxide (24mg per suppository): Astringent compounds that precipitate proteins on the mucosal surface, forming a protective barrier that reduces direct irritation of inflamed tissue.

They also have a mild antiseptic action and reduce the mucous discharge commonly associated with prolapsing internal haemorrhoids.

Zinc oxide (296mg per suppository, 10.75% w/w in cream): A traditional skin protectant that creates a physical barrier on the mucosal and perianal skin surface.

Zinc oxide has additional mild antiseptic, astringent, and drying properties. It absorbs moisture and reduces maceration of the perianal skin, which contributes to pruritus ani.

Balsam Peru (49mg per suppository, 1.87% w/w in cream): A natural oleoresin derived from Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae.

It contains cinnamic acid esters and benzoic acid with mild antiseptic and local stimulant properties that may promote epithelial healing.

Note that balsam Peru is a recognised contact allergen; patients with known sensitivity to balsam of Peru, cinnamon, or benzoic acid should avoid Anusol HC products.

How to use Anusol HC correctly

Suppository use

Remove the suppository from its foil wrapper and moisten with water. Lie on your side with knees drawn up, or stand with one foot raised on a chair.

Insert the suppository gently into the rectum, pointed end first, pushing it past the anal sphincter so it sits in the lower rectum.

Remain lying down for several minutes to prevent the suppository from sliding out. Insert one suppository at night, one in the morning, and one after each bowel movement.

Do not use more than 4 suppositories in a single day.

Cream use

For external haemorrhoids and perianal irritation, apply a thin layer of cream to the clean, dry affected area 3-4 times daily.

For internal haemorrhoids, screw the rectal applicator nozzle onto the tube, insert gently into the rectum, and squeeze a small quantity of cream.

Withdraw the nozzle and clean it thoroughly with warm water after each use. Use morning, evening, and after bowel movements.

Hygiene and lifestyle measures during treatment

The following measures complement Anusol HC treatment and help prevent recurrence.

Maintain meticulous perianal hygiene: clean the area gently with warm water and fragrance-free soap after each bowel movement, then pat dry (never rub).

Increase dietary fibre intake to 25-30 grams daily through wholegrain foods, fruit, vegetables, and legumes. Drink at least 1.5-2 litres of fluid per day.

Avoid straining during defecation; do not sit on the toilet for prolonged periods. Regular physical activity promotes healthy bowel function.

Avoid excessive use of dry toilet paper, which can exacerbate perianal irritation; consider moist toilet tissues or gentle washing instead.

Understanding haemorrhoid grades and when to see your GP

Haemorrhoids are classified into 4 grades based on severity, which guides treatment decisions. Anusol HC is appropriate for Grade I and Grade II haemorrhoids:

• Grade I: Haemorrhoids that bleed but do not prolapse outside the anal canal. Managed with dietary modification, topical treatment, and lifestyle changes.
• Grade II: Haemorrhoids that prolapse during straining but spontaneously reduce. Managed with topical treatment and, if persistent, rubber band ligation.
• Grade III: Haemorrhoids that prolapse and require manual reduction. Typically require procedural intervention (rubber band ligation, haemorrhoidal artery ligation).
• Grade IV: Permanently prolapsed haemorrhoids that cannot be reduced. Usually require surgical haemorrhoidectomy or stapled haemorrhoidopexy.

Consult your GP if symptoms persist beyond 7 days of Anusol HC treatment, if you experience severe pain (suggesting thrombosed external haemorrhoid or abscess), if bleeding is heavy or persistent, if you notice dark or tarry stools, or if you have unintentional weight loss alongside bowel symptoms.

Your GP can examine the area, perform a digital rectal examination, and arrange proctoscopy or referral to colorectal services if indicated.

Side effects of Anusol HC in detail

Local side effects

The most common adverse effects are local reactions at the application site, including burning, stinging, or itching upon initial application. These are usually mild and settle within minutes.

Hypersensitivity to balsam Peru is the most clinically significant local adverse reaction: it presents as worsening itching, redness, or a new eczematous rash at or near the application site.

If this occurs, discontinue Anusol HC and consult your pharmacist or GP about an alternative product without balsam Peru.

Effects of prolonged corticosteroid use

Using Anusol HC for longer than 7 days or repeatedly over short intervals carries the risk of adverse effects specific to the topical corticosteroid component.

These include thinning of the perianal skin (atrophy), development of stretch marks (striae), telangiectasia (visible dilated capillaries), perioral or perianal dermatitis, delayed wound healing, and increased susceptibility to local infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral).

The perianal skin is naturally thin and occlusive conditions (sitting, clothing) enhance absorption, making this area particularly vulnerable to steroid-induced skin damage.

Systemic effects

Systemic absorption of hydrocortisone from Anusol HC is generally low with short-term use at recommended doses.

However, prolonged or excessive use, application to large areas of broken skin, or use under occlusion can lead to sufficient absorption to cause systemic corticosteroid effects.

These include adrenal suppression (particularly in children), Cushingoid features, hyperglycaemia, and reduced resistance to infection. Such effects are rare with appropriate short-term use.

Who should not use Anusol HC

Anusol HC is contraindicated in the following situations: known hypersensitivity to any active ingredient or excipient (in particular balsam Peru), untreated perianal infections (bacterial, viral including herpes simplex, fungal including candida, or tuberculous), perianal skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema unless specifically directed by a dermatologist, and in children under 18 years without medical supervision.

Caution is needed in patients with diabetes mellitus (corticosteroid absorption may affect blood glucose), immunosuppression (increased risk of local infection), and those using other topical or systemic corticosteroids (cumulative steroid burden).

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should only use Anusol HC after discussion with their GP, midwife, or pharmacist, as topical corticosteroids should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration during pregnancy.

Anusol HC versus non-prescription Anusol

The Anusol product range includes both prescription and non-prescription formulations. Understanding the differences helps patients choose the appropriate product:

Standard Anusol (non-prescription, P medicine) contains bismuth, zinc oxide, and balsam Peru without hydrocortisone. It is suitable for mild haemorrhoidal symptoms where inflammation is not a prominent feature.

Anusol HC (prescription only, POM) adds hydrocortisone acetate, making it appropriate when significant inflammation, swelling, and itching are present.

The inclusion of a corticosteroid means that Anusol HC requires a prescription and should be used for a maximum of 7 days.

If your symptoms respond well within 7 days, you may then switch to standard Anusol for continued protective effect without the corticosteroid risks.

Prescription access and NHS considerations

Anusol HC is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the United Kingdom.

You will need a prescription from your GP, an out-of-hours service, or an online prescribing service to obtain it.

The standard NHS prescription charge in England is 9.90 pounds per item. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

In England, patients who need regular prescriptions may save money with a Prescription Prepayment Certificate.

For mild haemorrhoidal symptoms not requiring the corticosteroid component, non-prescription Anusol products are available over the counter from pharmacies and some supermarkets without a prescription.

Your pharmacist can advise whether your symptoms are suitable for self-treatment or whether you should see your GP for assessment and a possible Anusol HC prescription.

Frequently asked questions about Anusol HC

How quickly does Anusol HC work?

Most patients notice some relief of itching and discomfort within the first 1-2 days of starting treatment, as the hydrocortisone reduces local inflammation.

Full symptom improvement typically occurs over 3-5 days.

If symptoms have not improved after 7 days, stop using the product and consult your GP for review and possible further investigation.

Can I use Anusol HC during pregnancy?

Topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only when the potential benefit outweighs the risk. Discuss with your GP, midwife, or pharmacist before use.

Short-term use of a mild corticosteroid like hydrocortisone in the anorectal area is generally considered low risk, but prolonged or extensive use should be avoided.

Non-steroidal Anusol (plain) is often preferred during pregnancy as a first-line option.

Is Anusol HC suitable for anal fissures?

Anusol HC is not specifically licensed for anal fissures.

Acute anal fissures are typically managed with stool softeners, increased fluid and fibre intake, warm sitz baths, and topical anaesthetics (lidocaine gel).

Chronic anal fissures may require topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) 0.4% ointment or referral for specialist management including lateral internal sphincterotomy.

If you suspect an anal fissure (sharp pain during and after bowel movements, often with minor bleeding), consult your GP for appropriate management.

Can I buy Anusol HC over the counter?

No. Anusol HC is a prescription-only medicine (POM) because it contains hydrocortisone at a medicinal strength.

Standard Anusol (without hydrocortisone) is available as a pharmacy medicine (P) from pharmacies without a prescription.

Germoloids HC (hydrocortisone 0.5%) is available over the counter for short-term use, though at a lower corticosteroid strength than Anusol HC.

Your pharmacist can help you choose the most appropriate product for your symptoms.

Sources and further reading

• Anusol HC Suppositories SmPC, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC)
• BNF: Hydrocortisone (rectal preparations)
• NHS: Piles (haemorrhoids)
• NICE CKS: Haemorrhoids
• MHRA Yellow Card Scheme