Over-the-Counter Treatments for Hemorrhoids

Although most cases of hemorrhoids are generally not serious, the rectal itching, irritation, and burning can seriously interfere with enjoying your daily activities.

You can usually treat hemorrhoids with over-the-counter medications available without a prescription at your local pharmacy, but sorting through a vast selection of hemorrhoidal preparations can be confusing. In addition, not all medications are safe or effective for all people. Before trying an over-the-counter hemorrhoidal medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor to recommend the right treatment for you.

Most hemorrhoidal medications are preparations that contain a variety of active ingredients to provide short-term relief of hemorrhoid symptoms. These products are applied directly to the anal or rectal area and come in different forms, including creams, gels, foams, suppositories and pads. Hemorrhoidal preparations may include protectants, constricting medications, hydrocortisone, numbing medications, witch hazel, and combination products.

Protectants

Hemorrhoidal preparations often include a protectant, such as zinc oxide, mineral oil or starch, which covers the delicate tissues to prevent excessive drying and irritation and forms a protective barrier while skin heals. Protectants include:

• TUCKS Topical Starch Hemorrhoidal Suppositories (starch)
• Desitin (zinc oxide)
• Mineral oil
• Lanolin
• Glycerin

Constricting medications

Constricting medications (also known as vasoconstrictors) can tighten blood vessels and help shrink tissues. Phenylephrine is a common vasoconstrictor used in certain hemorrhoidal preparations, such as:

• Medicone Hemorrhoidal Suppositories
• Preparation H Ointment and Preparation H Suppositories
• Tronolane Anesthetic Hemorrhoid Suppositories

Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is a steroid that temporarily reduces the itching associated with hemorrhoids. Over-the-counter preparations that contain a low dose of hydrocortisone include:

• Cortizone-10 Anal Itch Cream
• Preparation H Anti-Itch Cream Hydrocortisone
• TUCKS  Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Ointment

Numbing medications

Some hemorrhoidal preparations include a local anesthetic, which numb the nerves and can provide temporary relief of pain and other discomforts of hemorrhoids. Products include:

• Americaine Hemorrhoidal Ointment (benzocaine)
• Lanacane (benzocaine)
• Medicone Hemorrhoidal Ointment (benzocaine)
• Nupercainal (dibucaine)
• Tronolane Anesthetic Hemorrhoid Cream (pramoxine)
• TUCKS Hemorrhoidal Ointment (pramoxine)

Witch hazel

Witch hazel is an astringent that shrinks blood vessels and exposed tissues, promotes drying, and can temporarily soothe the burning and itching of hemorrhoids. Witch hazel is a common, natural ingredient found in some moist pads and wipes, which can also be used for gentle, soothing cleansing after bowel movements. Products include:

• Preparation H Medicated Wipes
• TUCKS Medicated Pads

Combination products

Some over-the-counter treatments contain a combination of medications that work together in different ways to reduce the pain, irritation, itching, burning, and swelling of hemorrhoids and make passing stool more comfortable. These include:

• Preparation H Cooling Gel (contains the vasoconstrictor phenylephrine and the astringent witch hazel)
• Preparation H Cream with Maximum Strength Pain Relief (contains the vasoconstrictor  phenylephrine, the anesthetic  pramoxine, and protectants)

Oral medications

Oral medications may also improve your comfort by reducing inflammation and pain. These include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Aspirin (Ascriptin, Bayer)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 

Fiber supplements

Fiber is a substance found in beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grain breads and cereals. Fiber keeps stools soft, making bowel movements more comfortable and less irritating to your rectal area.  A high-fiber diet is a healthy, natural, long-term way to prevent and reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids.  However, many people find it difficult to get enough fiber through their diets. If this is a challenge for you, a variety of fiber supplements are available over-the-counter, including:

• FiberCon (Calcium polycarbophil)
• Citrucel (Methylcellulose)
• Konsyl, Metamucil (Psyllium)
• Benefiber (Wheat dextrin)