ANESTHETICS (Rectal)

Brand & Generic Names

Americaine-Hemorrhoidal	PRAMOXINE
BENZOCAINE	Preparation "H"
DIBUCAINE	Proctofoam
Ethyl Aminobenzoate	TETRACAINE
Fleet Relief	TETRACAINE AND MENTHOL
Nupercainal	Tronolane
Pontocaine Cream	Tronothane
Pontocaine Ointment

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes, for some.
• Available as generic? Yes, Dibucaine. No others, but most brands are available without prescription.
• Drug class: Anesthetic (rectal)

Uses

• Relieves pain, itching and swelling of hemorrhoids (piles).
• Relieves pain of rectal fissures (breaks in lining membrane of the anus).

Dosage & Usage Information

How to use:
Rectal cream or ointment--Apply to surface of rectum with fingers. Insert applicator into rectum no farther than 1/2 and apply inside. Wash applicator with warm soapy water or discard.
Aerosol foam--Read patient instructions. Don't insert into rectum. Use the special applicator and wash carefully after using.
Suppository--Remove wrapper and moisten with water. Lie on side. Push blunt end of suppository into rectum with finger. If suppository is too soft, run cold water over wrapper or put in refrigerator for 15 to 45 minutes before using.

When to use:
As directed.

If you forget a dose:
Use as soon as you remember.

What drug does:
Deadens nerve endings to pain and touch.

Time lapse before drug works:
5 to 15 minutes.

Don't use with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

Not intended for internal use. If child accidentally swallows, call poison-control center.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

• Nervousness, trembling, hives, rash, itch, inflammation or tenderness not present before application, slow heartbeat.
• Dizziness, blurred vision, swollen feet.

Rare:

• Blood in urine.
• Increased or painful urination.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't use if:
You are allergic to any topical anesthetic.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have skin infection at site of treatment.
• If you have had severe or extensive skin disorders such as eczema or psoriasis.
• If you have bleeding hemorrhoids.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
No proven harm to unborn child. Avoid if possible.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected.

Infants & children:
Use caution. More likely to be absorbed through skin and cause adverse reactions.

Prolonged use:
Possible excess absorption. Don't use longer than 3 days for any one problem.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.

Others:

• Report any rectal bleeding to your doctor.
• Keep cool, but don't freeze.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Sulfa drugs*	Decreased antiinfective effect of
	sulfa drugs.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Possible nervous-system toxicity.
	Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.