Rectogesic
How does it work?
Rectogesic rectal ointment contains the active ingredient glyceryl trinitrate, which is a type of medicine called a nitrate. It is used to relieve pain associated with anal fissures.
An anal fissure is a tear in the lining of the back passage (anus). It is often caused by passing hard stools when you are constipated. The tear is painful and often bleeds when you pass a stool.
The tear may also be caused in part by spasm (tightening) of the muscle around the anus (the internal sphincter). Spasm of this muscle also causes pain, because if the muscle around the anus is tight, the blood supply to the anus is reduced. This can also slow down the healing process.
The main treatment for anal fissures involves trying to prevent constipation, because straining to pass the stool and passing large hard stools cause more problems. The tear often heals by itself in a couple of weeks, but may sometimes be ongoing. This is called a chronic anal fissure. Glyceryl trinitrate ointment is used to relieve the pain of a chronic anal fissure and also helps the tear heal.
The ointment is applied inside the anus. It works by releasing a chemical called nitric oxide, which is a chemical also made naturally by the body. Nitric oxide relaxes (dilates) blood vessels. It also relaxes the internal sphincter muscle in the anus. This improves the blood supply to the anus, which relieves the pain and helps the fissure to heal.
You should keep using the ointment for as long as your doctor has prescribed it; this will usually be until the pain has got better (up to a maximum of eight weeks).
What is it used for?
- Pain due to a tear in the lining of the anus (chronic anal fissure)
Warning!
- This medicine is not to be taken by mouth.
- Wash your hands after applying the ointment.
- Although this medicine acts locally when applied to the anus, it is also absorbed into the bloodstream and can therefore have effects on the rest of the body. In particular, it can cause headaches. It may also cause a drop in blood pressure, especially when you move from a lying or sitting position to sitting or standing. The drop in blood pressure can make you feel dizzy or unsteady. To avoid this try changing position slowly. If you do feel dizzy, sit or lie down until the symptoms pass. If affected you should avoid performing potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinary. Drinking alcohol is likely to enhance any dizziness.
Use with caution in
- Severe liver disease
- Severe kidney disease
- Angina
- Heart failure
- People who have recently had a heart attack
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