Xyloproct Ointment

What is Xyloproct and what is it used for?

Xyloproct is a popular remedy for piles which can target your symptoms almost immediately. Xyloproct is a short-term remedy which can stop the pain and itching associated with haemorrhoids. Applied directly to external haemorrhoids or inserted easily into the rectum, using the applicator nozzle to target discomfort caused by internal haemorrhoids. It contains three key ingredients, lidocaine, hydrocortisone, and zinc oxide, that aid in the alleviation of your symptoms.

Xyloproct Ointment is manufactured in The UK by Aspen Pharma and is classified as a prescription-only-medicine (POM). Xyloproct Ointment is available in a 20g tube, which comes with an attachable plastic applicator and a comprehensive patient information leaflet (PIL).

What are haemorrhoids?

Most people will experience some form of piles at least once in their life. The cause of this is the development of varicose veins within the rectum or surrounding areas brought about by high blood pressure in the area. The result of this is swelling around the rectum, creating irritation and itchiness. Other symptoms include pain and bleeding.

There are many factors that can contribute to the development of haemorrhoids including:

• High blood pressure
• Being overweight
• Sitting on hard surfaces for a prolonged period of time
• Extended periods of constipation
  

If you do experience piles, there are some things you can do to decrease their severity. If blood pressure is a key factor then lowering it can massively improve your symptoms, consider making alterations to your diet such as decreasing salt intake. If you suffer from long-term constipation then add more fibre to your diet or consider other health improvements.

In severe cases of haemorrhoids, you may be recommended treatment. Finding blood in your stools can be a key indicator for haemorrhoids and should be brought to your doctor’s attention. This will allow your doctor to prescribe medication to both reduce inflammation and decrease pain around the rectal area.

How does Proctosedyl work?

The first active ingredient contained in Xyloproct ointment, Lidocaine belongs to a group of medicines called local anaesthetics. These medicines work by blocking the pain messages along the nerve fibres. This action prevents the pain signals from reaching the brain causing a feeling of numbness in the area where the ointment has been applied to prevent pain and itching.

The second active ingredient, Hydrocortisone belongs to a category of medicines known as Corticosteroids. These medicines work to reduce and relieve pain and inflammation. Inflammation is caused by an immune response that causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in the affected area becoming red, painful, itchy and swollen. Hydrocortisone works from within the cell, actively reducing the substances that trigger the inflammation. When Hydrocortisone is used topically to treat Haemorrhoids, it will effectively reduce the painful inflammation and swelling caused by this condition.

Zinc oxide is the final active ingredient and is a common ingredient found in many lotions and has antibacterial properties which help to soothe any areas of irritation and reduce the risk of infections.

Alternatives to Xyloproct

Xyloproct ointment can be used to help manage and treat both internal and external piles, Uniroid HC Ointment and Proctosedyl Ointment use a different type of local anaesthetic, however, is an effective alternative to this treatment. For further details on prescription-only treatments please take a look at our Advice for Haemorrhoids page.

Alternate OTC (over-the-counter) medication

There are many OTC medicines available from ourselves and your local pharmacy to buy, these may be all you need, so you should try these first before moving onto a prescription-only medication, here is a list of a couple that is commonly stocked.

• Anusol Cream
• Anusol HC Ointment & Suppositories
• Germoloids Cream & Ointment
• Preparation H

Sources

• Xyloproct, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...
• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/medici...

How to use Xyloproct

Always use Xyloproct Ointment exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Always wash your hands well before and after using this medicine.

Usually the ointment should be applied to the affected area several times a day. Using a maximum of a third of a tube in a day. Do not use continuously for more than 3 weeks without discussing this with a doctor.

How to apply Proctosedyl ointment

1. Wash your hands
2. Squeeze a small amount of the ointment onto your fingertip
3. Gently rub a small layer of ointment over the sore, painful or itching area
4. Wash your hands

Using the applicator

1. Wash your hands
2. Screw the plastic nozzle provided onto the tube
3. Insert the nozzle into the back passage
4. Squeeze the tube gently as you slowly pull it out
5. Stay still for 1 or 2 minutes
6. Wash your hands and the nozzle thoroughly after each use

What if I use more Xyloproct Ointment than I should?

If you use too much ointment talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

It is particularly important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible if a child has been given too much ointment. This is because fits have sometimes happened in children who have been given too much.

Xyloproct ingredients

The active substances in Xyloproct Ointment are: 50mg of lidocaine and 2.75 mg of hydrocortisone acetate.

The other ingredients are: zinc oxide, aluminium acetate, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, purified water and macrogol (3350 and 400).

Xyloproct side effects

Like all medicines, Xyloproct Ointment can cause some people to experience side effects. Stop using Xyloproct Ointment and talk to your doctor straight away if you notice any of the following – you may need urgent medical treatment:

• Sudden onset of rash, itching or hives on the skin
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
• Shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing. This may mean that you are having an allergic reaction

Stop using Xyloproct Ointment and talk to your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Soreness in your back passage
• Bleeding from your back passage

Other possible side effects include redness, swelling and itching where Xyloproct Ointment has been put on your body.

Xyloproct warnings

Do not use Xyloproct Ointment if:

• You are allergic (hypersensitive) to lidocaine or hydrocortisone or any of the other ingredients of Xyloproct Ointment
• You have ever had an allergic reaction to other local anaesthetics or to other corticosteroid medicines
• You have an infection where the ointment is going to be put and the infection is not being treated
• You are not in hospital and you are taking medicines for an uneven heartbeat (such as amiodarone or sotalol)

Do not use Xyloproct Ointment if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Xyloproct Ointment.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using Xyloproct Ointment if:

• Your skin is very thin or fragile where the ointment is going to be put
• You have an infection where the ointment is going to be put. If this applies to you, your doctor may ask you to use another medicine as well as Xyloproct Ointment
• You have ever been told that you have a rare disease of the blood pigment called ‘porphyria’ or anyone in your family has it

Xyloproct and other medicines

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, or have recently taken, any other medicines. This includes medicines that you buy without a prescription and herbal medicines. This is because Xyloproct Ointment can affect the way some medicines work and some medicines can have an effect on Xyloproct Ointment.

In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or using any of the following medicines:

• Medicines for an uneven heartbeat (such as amiodarone or sotalol)
• Other local anaesthetics

Xyloproct, Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Talk to your doctor before using Xyloproct Ointment if you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Your doctor will decide if you can use Xyloproct Ointment during this time.

Please take the time to read the Patient Information Leaflet, included with this treatment, before use.