Hemorrhoids swelling and pain relief using over-the-counter self-care pharmacist's recommendation

Let's see what to use for hemorrhoids over the counter.

The goal of taking care of this would be to:

Reduce the swelling
Reduce the pain
Stop the inflammation
Reduce the itching and
Soften the stool to prevent straining and constipation.

With this in mind, see what is recommended over-the-counter below.

Man with hemorrhoids

Reducing swelling

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs) will reduce the swelling and inflammation. Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen. Skip these if the hemorrhoid is bleeding.

Phenylephrine suppositories(preparation H)

This constricts the tiny blood vessels around hemorrhoid in the same way phenylephrine takes care of nasal congestion. This action should reduce the swelling.

Hydrocortisone

Not for more than 14 days. May cause thinning of the skin (Example: cortisone 10 cooling relief gel)

Relieving itching

Sitz bath

This involve sitting (Sitz mean to sit) in warm water or warm compress for 15 minutes at a time 2 to 3 times a day. It will keep the area clean and improve blood flow.

Now, you don't need to go to the pharmacy looking for a Sitz bath. You can fill a bathtub with 4 inches of hot water and sit in it for about 15 minutes. This will be just as good.

Witch hazel.

A strong astringent. Add this to the treatment regimen. You can buy a bottle (cheaper) and a gauze pad or get Tucks Pads if you prefer.

Hydrocortisone 1% (preparation H cream, cortisone 10 cooling).

Prefer the cooling gel.

Easing the pain

Lidocaine 5% (RectiCare®, LMX 5%®)

Use this to numb the affected area helping relieve the pain at least for a few hours.

Combine this with creams containing phenylephrine (vasoconstrictor) for a stronger and longer effect.

NSAIDs

Take ibuprofen or naproxen for pain and inflammation.

Use this only if there is no bleeding.

Softening the stool

Docusate

This is a stool softener. Softening the stool will reduce the stress on hemorrhoid.

Fiber drinks

These also help soften the stool.

Last updated by pharmacist on : 03/26/2018

Know this about the safe and effective use of this recommendation.

Our disclaimer

Recommendation is the opinion of a registered US Pharmacist currently practicing as a community pharmacist.
Recommendation is not an attempt to discuss all possible self care or treatment approach to this health challenge.
The responsibility of the recommending pharmacist is limited to this question:
"If a patient presents with these symptoms, what will you recommend and why?"
It is not an attempt to publish an article on the treatment of any condition. Just what would you tell a patient who present with so and so in the usual course of your practice.
The pharmacist image presented in this article may or may not be the actual image of the authoring pharmacist.
Because we insist on using articles written by currently practicing community pharmacists, these pharmacists may choose to remain anonymous especially if they are employed by an employer to avoid being pressured to recommend a particular product to drive sales.
Please read the policies and terms of use for self-care OTC, selfcarepharmacist.com and it's affiliates by clicking on the button below.

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