hydrocortisone rectal (foam, enema) Health Article

Generic name(s):

hydrocortisone rectal (foam, enema)

Brand name(s):

hydrocortisone, Colocort, Cortenema, Cortifoam

What is the most important information I should know about hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema?

The information in this medication guide is specific to hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema.

Do not take hydrocortisone rectal by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You may need to use this medication for up to 8 weeks.

Call your doctor at once if you have any bleeding from your rectum, feeling short of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling of your ankles or feet, or rapid weight gain.

There may be other drugs that can interact with hydrocortisone rectal. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse after using this medicine for a few days.

What is hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema?

Hydrocortisone is a steroid medicine that reduces inflammation in the body.

The information in this medication guide is specific to hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema.

Hydrocortisone rectal is used to treat hemorrhoids and itching or swelling of the rectal area caused by hemorrhoids or other inflammatory conditions of the rectum or anus.

Hydrocortisone rectal is also used together with other medications to treat ulcerative colitis, proctitis, and other inflammatory conditions of the lower intestines and rectal area.

Hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• congestive heart failure;

• a history of tuberculosis;

• stomach ulcer or diverticulitis;

• a colostomy or ileostomy;

• fever or any type of infection;

• kidney disease;

• high blood pressure; or

• myasthenia gravis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use hydrocortisone rectal foam or enema, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Steroid medicines may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. You may also need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medications.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether hydrocortisone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.