Over The Counter Drugs for Hemorrhoids
The common OTC medications for hemorrhoids can be grouped as follows:1–5
Vasoconstrictors.
Astringents.
Protectants.
Local anesthetics.
Keratolytics.
Most of the OTC medications are a combination of these groups of medications.
Vasoconstrictors
These medications result in constriction of the blood vessels thus reducing their swelling. It also helps in relieving the itching and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.
Some of the vasoconstrictors included in hemorrhoid medications are:
Side-Effects: Elevation of blood pressure, Cardiac arrhythmias, Nervousness, Loss of sleep, Aggravation of symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Contraindications:
Vasoconstrictors are contraindicated in individuals who are suffering from the following:
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Diabetes.
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Hyperthyroidism.
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Hypertension.
It is also contraindicated in individuals who are taking medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants.
Astringents
These agents result in coagulation of the proteins in the skin cells thereby decreasing the size of the swelling. They also reduce the inflammation, irritation and burning sensation in the affected area to a certain extent.
Some of the commonly available astringents include:
These can be applied to the affected region up to six times a day for relief of the symptoms.
No specific side-effects or contraindications have been mentioned for the use of astringents.
Protectants
These agents form a protective barrier over the skin surface to reduce the inflammation in the affected regions.
Some of the protectants that are commonly included in the OTC medications are:
Side-Effects: Mild cases of hypersensitivity.
Contraindications: Known allergy to the drugs.
Local Anesthetics
The local anesthetics cause numbness in the affected region and hence relieve the associated symptoms such as pain, itching, burning sensation and discomfort.
Some of the local anesthetics included in OTC medications are:
Side-Effects: Can cause allergic reaction in certain individuals.
Contraindications: Known allergy to the drugs.
Keratolytics
The keratolytic agents cause sloughing of the skin cells, which aid in increasing the effectiveness of other medications being administered. These agents are also known to reduce itching and discomfort to a certain extent.
Some of the common keratolytic agents are:
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Aluminium chlorhydroxy allantoinate
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Resorcinol
Side-Effects: Can cause allergic reaction in certain individuals.
Contraindications: Known allergy to the drugs, Resorcinol should not be used on open wounds
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: March 22, 2012