Lidocaine-Hydrocortisone-Aloe

(Lidocaine-hydrocortisone-aloe) This combination medication is used to treat minor pain, itching, swelling, and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids and other problems of the anal area (e.g., anal fissures, itching). This medication contains lidocaine, an anesthetic that works by temporarily numbing the area. This product also contains hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid that reduces redness, itching, and swelling.

Follow all instructions in the product package for using the applicator tip/cap/nozzle. Before use, clean the affected area with mild soap and water, rinse well, and pat dry. Your product may come with single-use wipes to cleanse the area instead of using soap and water. Gently insert the applicator tip just 1/2 to 1 inch (1.5 to 2.5 centimeters) inside the anus and apply the product in and around the anal opening as directed in the package instructions or by your doctor. When using a single-use tube and applicator, discard after use. Do not reuse. Do not insert any part of the container into the anus, and do not insert the applicator tip/nozzle more than one-half to 1 inch (2.5 centimeter) inside the anus. Do not use your finger to apply the medication into the anus. To apply the product to the outside of the anus only, apply a small amount to the affected area and rub in gently. Do not cover the area with plastic or waterproof bandages unless directed to do so by your doctor. Covering the treated area may increase the absorption of the medication through the skin. This may improve how well the drug works, but it may also increase the risk of side effects. Wash hands immediately after use. Avoid getting the product in your eyes, nose, ears or mouth. If the medication gets in these areas, rinse the area immediately with clean water. This product is usually used twice daily, or after each bowel movement, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not use more of this product, use it more often, or keep using it longer than prescribed by your doctor. If you have been using this medication for a long time or in high doses, do not suddenly stop using it without your doctor's approval. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens after 1 to 2 weeks.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to lidocaine; or to other amide anesthetics (e.g., bupivacaine, prilocaine); or to hydrocortisone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, eye problems, current/recent infections (such as tuberculosis, chickenpox, herpes, fungal infection), rectal sores/infections, liver disease, stomach/intestinal problems, a certain blood disorder (methemoglobinemia). Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months. Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Do not use this product over a large area or use tight-fitting diapers/plastic pants unless directed by your doctor. Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It should not be used for long periods of time or in large amounts. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Lidocaine passes into breast milk. It is unknown if hydrocortisone passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Redness, burning, or itching at the application site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: rectal bleeding, change in skin appearance (e.g., color, thickness), skin redness/tenderness/pus or other signs of infection. Rarely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children and people who use this medication for a long time. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur: unusual/extreme tiredness, weight loss, headache, swelling ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, vision problems. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: slow/shallow breathing, signs of serious infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), seizures, pale/bluish/gray skin, unusual tiredness, shortness of breath, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate and do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.