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" What is it used for?  Piles (haemorrhoids). Inflammation of the rectum (proctitis). Itching around the back passage (pruritus ani). Tear in the lining of the back passage (anal fissure).   How does it work? Anusol contains a number of ingredients which are useful in the relief of symptoms associated with internal piles (haemorrhoids) and other local skin irritations in the anal area.  Bismuth oxide, balsam peru and zinc oxide have mild antiseptic, protective and astringent properties (i.e. constricts blood vessels). Balsam peru is also believed to promote the growth of new skin cells. Anusol ointment and suppositories also contain bismuth subgallate, which has similar antiseptic, protective and astringent properties. Anusol is available as rectal cream, ointment and suppositories. Since Anusol suppositories are inserted into the rectum they are more suitable for treating internal piles, while the cream and ointment may be used to relieve both internal and external piles.   How do I use it?  Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying this medicine.  Anusol cream, ointment and suppositories should be used after the bowels have been emptied. The area around the anus should be thoroughly washed and dried before using this preparation.   Anusol cream and ointment can both be used internally or externally for the anal area. For application into the back passage, a nozzle provided with the cream/ointment should be screwed on to the tube. The nozzle should then be gently inserted in to the rectum and a small amount of cream/ointment squeezed out. The nozzle should be withdrawn slowly. The nozzle should be thoroughly cleaned after each use.  Anusol suppositories are to be inserted into the rectum only.  Anusol preparations should be used in the morning, at night and after each bowel movement.   Warning!  Anusol preparations are not to be taken by mouth. Anusol cream contains propylene glycol which may cause skin irritation. Anusol cream contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), which may also cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).    Not to be used in  This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years old. People allergic to propylene glycol, E218 or E216 (for Anusol cream only).   This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.   Pregnancy and breastfeeding Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.  This medicine is not absorbed into the bloodstream and there are no known harmful effects when it is used during pregnancy. There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by breastfeeding mothers.    Side effects Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.  Sensitisation or allergic reactions. Burning sensation.  The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine&amp;#039;s manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.   How can this medicine affect other medicines? This medicine is not known to affect any other medicines. However, as with all medicines, if you are already taking any other medicines you should always check with your pharmacist before taking this one as well.    Other medicines containing the same active ingredients There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain bismuth oxide, balsam peru and zinc oxide as the active ingredients.  Last updated 18.06.2012 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/digestive-health/a6221/anusol/>