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"   What is it used for?   Haemorrhoids (piles).  Anal itching (pruritus ani).    How does it work? Germoloids cream, ointment and suppositories all contain a number of ingredients that are useful in the relief of symptoms associated with piles (haemorrhoids) and other local skin irritations in the anal area.   Lidocaine hydrochloride (previously known as lignocaine hydrochloride in the UK) is a type of medicine known as a local anaesthetic. It works by blocking the pathway of pain signals along nerve fibres. This provides relief from pain in the areas where the medicine has been applied.  Zinc oxide is a mild astringent. It works by causing the cells that it comes into contact with to shrink and dry out. This causes shrinkage of the haemorrhoid, thereby relieving the associated pain and discomfort.  The other ingredients in Germoloids preparations act as lubricants. These help stools to be passed more easily and so reduce the need for straining, which is bad for piles.  Germoloids preparations are available as rectal cream, ointment and suppositories. Since Germoloids suppositories are inserted into the rectum (back passage) they are more suitable for treating internal piles. The cream and ointment are applied to anal area to relieve external piles and can also be inserted into the back passage using the applicator provided to relieve internal piles.    Warning!   Germoloids preparations are not to be taken by mouth. Do not use more than four times in any 24 hour period.  If you continually suffer from piles, or if you have particularly severe piles or excessive bleeding from the rectum you should consult a doctor.    Not to be used in   Children under 12 years of age, unless directed by a doctor.  This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or 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.  The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established. However, it has been in wide use for many years without apparent ill consequence. As with all medicines, it should only be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women on the advice of a doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.     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. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.   Irritation at application site. Burning sensation.  The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug&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.   Other medicines containing the same active ingredients There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain this combination of active ingredients. Last updated 04.06.2007 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/digestive-health/a7529/germoloids/>