Xyloproct

Xyloproct is an ointment used for the treatment of various forms of discomfort. Most commonly, this medication offers short- term relief to people who have fissures, haemorrhoids or piles, and other anal issues. The main active ingredient of this substance is hydrocortisone, which is a popular anti-inflammatory substance that relieves itching and pain. There’s also lidocaine included in Xyloproct ointment to reduce discomfort.

• Used to treat anal fissures
• Also for haemorrhoids
• Rectal ointment with painkilling effect

Xyloproct is a rectal ointment with painkilling effect. It contains two medicines: lidocaine and hydrocortisone. Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic, hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and thus symptoms such as itching and swelling.

Xyloproct is used to relieve anal discomfort, such as itching, swelling or pain, caused by haemorrhoids or anal fissures (a tear in the skin lining the anal canal). The ointment is also suitable for use in children.

Your doctor will tell you how much ointment to use and how often to use it. Usually the ointment should be put on the affected area several times a day. Do not use more than 6 grams of ointment each day. Xyloproct should only be used for limited periods. Do not use for more than three weeks continuously.

Xyloproct comes with an applicator. Your doctor will tell you if you need to use this. If your doctor tells you to use the applicator, make sure to clean it very well after each use.

When you start using the ointment, the tube can be stored at room temperature (below 25°C) for up to two months. Any remaining ointment should then be discarded.

Alcohol/driving

This medicine does not interact with alcohol. Xyloproct does not affect your ability to drive.

If you use more Xyloproct than you should

If you use too much ointment talk to your doctor as soon as possible. It is particularly important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible if a child has been given too much ointment. This is because fits have sometimes happened in children who have been given too much.

Xyloproct is not suitable for everyone. Do not use this medicine if:

• You are allergic to lidocaine or hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients in this medicine (section 'What Xyloproct contains').
• You have ever had an allergic reaction to other local anaesthetics or to other corticosteroid medicines.
• You have an infection where the ointment is going to be put and the infection is not being treated.
• You are not in hospital and you are taking medicines for an irregular heartbeat (e.g., amiodarone or sotalol).

When should this medicine be used with caution?

Talk to you doctor before using Xyloproct if:

• Your skin is very thin or fragile where the ointment is going to be put.
• You have an infection where the ointment is going to be applied.
• You have ever been told that you have a rare disease of the blood pigment called ‘porphyria’ or anyone in your family has it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Consult a doctor before using Xyloproct if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Other medicines and Xyloproct

Xyloproct can affect the way some medicines work and some medicines can have an effect on Xyloproct. Therefore, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes medicines obtained without a prescription, herbal medicines or other natural products. In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or using any of the following medicines:

• Medicines to treat an irregular heartbeat (e.g., amiodarone or sotalol).
• Other local anaesthetics.

The doctor will have a list of medicines that you should avoid mixing Xyloproct with.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although some people may not experience any.

Stop using Xyloproct and talk to your doctor straight away if you notice any of the following – you may need urgent medical treatment: sudden onset of rash, itching or hives on the skin, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body, shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing.

Stop using Xyloproct and talk to your doctor if you notice any soreness in your back passage or bleeding from your back passage.

Other possible side effects associated with Xyloproct:

• Redness, swelling and itching where the ointment has been put applied.

Consult a doctor if you experience any side effects. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

The active substances are lidocaine and hydrocortisone acetate. Each gram of Xyloproct contains 50 mg of lidocaine and 2.75 mg of hydrocortisone acetate. The other ingredients are zinc oxide, aluminium acetate, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, purified water and macrogol (3350 and 400).