Hydrocortisone Suppository Treatment Plan

OVERVIEW:

This treatment plan outlines the application, dosage, and potential side effects of hydrocortisone suppositories for treating hemorrhoids. Please read this plan thoroughly, along with the manufacturer’s pamphlet that accompanies your medicine, for complete information on interactions, precautions, and other important details.

INSTRUCTIONS:

For treatment of hemorrhoids, you must use:

Hydrocortisone suppositories, which you are to insert one (1) suppository rectally twice daily (morning and evening, approximately 12 hours apart) for 6 days.

Hydrocortisone reduces inflammation, swelling, itching, and discomfort associated with internal hemorrhoids.

Common symptoms of hemorrhoids include rectal itching, irritation, burning, swelling, and bleeding during bowel movements. Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the rectum and are typically painless unless they prolapse.

Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid and works locally by decreasing inflammation in the anal canal. It does not treat infections, does not shrink large prolapsed hemorrhoids, and does not cure the underlying structural cause. It is used to relieve symptoms.

IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING YOUR TREATMENT:

  • Do not use hydrocortisone suppositories longer than directed.
  • Prolonged steroid use may thin the skin or cause systemic absorption.
  • Avoid straining during bowel movements.
  • Use stool softeners, hydration, and fiber to reduce irritation.
  • Maintain good anal hygiene.
  • Warm sitz baths (10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily) can provide relief.
  • Avoid anal intercourse until symptoms have resolved.
  • If symptoms worsen or do not improve within the expected timeframe, you may need an in-person examination to rule out other causes of rectal irritation or bleeding.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

This medicine contains the following active ingredients. If you are allergic to any of these components, similar components, or any of the other components listed in the manufacturer’s pamphlet, please do not take it.
  • Hydrocortisone

ALLERGIES:

This medicine may cause an allergic reaction if you are allergic to similar medicines or components. If you are allergic to any of the following, please stop the medicine and see your doctor in person:
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Prednisone
  • Methylprednisolone
  • Any corticosteroid medicine

CONDITIONS:

We evaluate your health history and the specific health information you provide us; however, if anything changes and you develop or discover that one of these conditions applies to you, please stop taking this medicine and seek care in person:
  • Active rectal or intestinal infection
  • Fungal or viral infection in the rectal area
  • Tuberculosis
  • Severe rectal bleeding
  • Recent colorectal surgery
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • New or worsening abdominal pain

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING:

Hydrocortisone may be absorbed systemically following topical or rectal administration, and the potential effects on fetal development have not been fully established. Hydrocortisone can also be present in breast milk after systemic exposure. Because corticosteroids may pose risks with prolonged or high-dose use, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the medication, taking into account the clinical importance of the treatment to the mother. This determination should be made in consultation with your primary care physician.

MEDICINES, SUPPLEMENTS, AND FOODS:

We evaluate your health history and the specific health information you provide us; however, if anything changes and you start or discover that you are taking any of the medicines, foods, or supplements listed below, consult with your physician or local care before you take the medicine. Some of these can cause dangerous interactions with the medicine we are prescribing you and we will help you evaluate that risk and decide on an appropriate treatment plan:
  • HIV medications
  • Birth control (all hormonal)
  • Narcotic pain medications
  • Anti-seizure medications
  • Antipsychotic medications

EMERGENCY SIDE EFFECTS:

This medicine can cause dangerous and potentially life-threatening side effects. If any of the emergency side effects listed in the manufacturer’s pamphlet or those below happen to you, please stop taking the medicine and call 911 or seek immediate medical help in person:
  • Severe allergic reaction: breathing difficulty
  • Rectal bleeding or black stools
  • Fever, chills, worsening infection signs
  • Extreme fatigue, weakness, sudden fainting
  • Blistering, peeling, severe skin irritation

OTHER SIDE EFFECTS:

This medicine can also cause other side effects. If any of the other side effects listed in the manufacturer’s pamphlet or those below happen to you please stop taking the medicine and see your doctor in person:
  • Rapid swelling of treated area
  • Sudden severe abdominal or rectal pain
  • Unexpected mood changes or confusion
  • Vision changes or eye discomfort
  • Unusual weight gain or swelling

ACCURATE INFORMATION:

We evaluate the specific health information you provide and make our recommendations based on it. If you incorrectly provide that information, we may misdiagnose or fail to diagnose conditions that you may have which could affect our recommendation for treatment.

TREATMENT FAILURE:

This treatment is not 100% effective. It may not work or may only partially resolve the condition for which you are seeking treatment. If it is an emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical help in person.

MISDIAGNOSIS OR DELAYED DIAGNOSIS:

There is also a risk that we will misdiagnose or fail to diagnose conditions that you may have which could affect our recommendation for treatment. This risk exists with a doctor in person as well but they may have additional signs and symptoms to aid their evaluation. We use an evidence-based practice and guidelines as well as clinical decision support to try to minimize these risks.

ACCEPTING OR DECLINING OUR RECOMMENDATION:

We recommend this treatment because the potential benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. You should evaluate this information as well as the manufacturer’s pamphlet, and any input from your in-person healthcare team, or other information to decide if this treatment plan is appropriate for you. You are free to decline our treatment recommendations although, doing so may prolong symptoms and be associated with negative outcomes.

OTHER TREATMENTS:

We have based our recommendation on your specific case and medical guidelines, but there may be alternative treatments or strategies that may be helpful to you. Some may be more or less effective than what we provide. Some treatments may require an in-person exam or procedure which we can’t provide.

SHARE WITH YOUR IN-PERSON HEALTHCARE TEAM: