hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical Health Article

Generic name(s):

hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical

Brand name(s):

hydrocortisone-pramoxine topical, Analpram-HC, Enzone, Epifoam, Pramosone, Proctocream HC, Proctofoam HC, Rectocort HC, Zone-A, Zone-A Forte

What is the most important information I should know about hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical?

Do not use plastic bandages or dressings that do not allow air to circulate to the area. The use of occlusive dressings can increase the amount of drug the body absorbs.

Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen or do not improve within 7 days. Do not use hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical for longer than 14 days without first talking to your doctor.

What is hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical?

Hydrocortisone is a steroid medication. Hydrocortisone topical reduces or inhibits the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, redness, swelling, and itching.

Pramoxine is a topical anesthetic. Pramoxine causes a loss of feeling in the skin.

Together, hydrocortisone and pramoxine are used to treat minor skin irritations, anal itching, hemorrhoids, and pain from episiotomy.

Hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical?

Before using hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical, talk to your doctor if you have

• chickenpox, herpes, or tuberculosis infection;

• diabetes;

• thinning of the skin; or

• infection near the site of use.

You may not be able to use hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during use.

Hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Hydrocortisone and pramoxine passes into breast milk. It is unlikely that hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical will be harmful to a nursing baby, however do not use hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical?

Apply the medication exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical is intended for topical use on the skin or in the rectum. Do not take the medication by mouth. Do not get this medication if the eyes. Wash your hands before and after application of the medication.

Using the fingers or a tissue, apply a thin film of the cream, ointment, or lotion to the affected area and rub in gently.

To apply the foam externally, shake the container vigorously for 5 to 10 seconds before each use. Press down on the top several times until foam appears. Dispense the foam onto a tissue or cloth and gently rub into the affected area. The fingers should not be used to apply the foam. Rinse the container and cap after each use.

To apply the foam into the rectum using the rectal applicator:

• Hold the container upright and gently place the tip of the applicator onto the nose of the container cap.

• Pull the applicator plunger past the fill line on the applicator barrel.

• Hold the container and applicator at eye level. Place your index and middle fingers on the arms of the container cap and the thumb beneath container. Support the applicator with your other hand. Prime the container by pressing down firmly on the arms of the cap and then release. It usually requires 1 or 2 pumps for foam to appear. The first time you prime the pump a burst of air may come out of the container.

• To fill the applicator, press down firmly on cap flanges, hold for 1 to 2 seconds, and release. Wait 5 to 10 seconds to allow foam to expand in the applicator. Repeat until the foam reaches the fill line. It may take 3 or 4 pumps to reach the fill line. Remove the applicator from the container cap.

• Hold the applicator firmly. Place your index finger over the plunger. Gently insert the tip of the applicator into the anus. Once in place, push plunger to expel foam, then withdraw applicator. Apply to the anus only with the applicator provided with the foam.

• The applicator parts and container and cap should be pulled apart and rinsed with warm water after each use.

The foam is flammable, do not use near heat, flame, or while smoking.

Use care to avoid inhaling the vapors when using hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical foam.

Do not use plastic bandages or dressings that do not allow air to circulate to the area. The use of occlusive dressings can increase the amount of drug the body absorbs.

Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen or do not improve within 7 days. Do not use hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical for longer than 14 days without first talking to your doctor.

Store hydrocortisone and pramoxine topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.