Boots Haemorrhoid Relief (Lidocaine hydrochloride_zinc oxide)

The symptomatic relief of pain, swelling, irritation and itching associated with haemorrhoids, and pruritus ani.

Adults and children aged 12 years and over:

Apply at least twice a day with a minimum of three to four hours between applications. Further applications can be made at any time of day and are particularly recommended after a bowel movement.

Do not use more than four times in any 24-hour period.

External piles and pruritus ani:

Apply to the affected area.

Internal piles:

Gently insert applicator into the anal opening and expel a small amount of the ointment by squeezing the tube gently.

Children under 12 years:

Only as directed by a doctor.

The elderly:

Use as per adult directions.

Hypersensitivity to any of the constituents.

Persons who continually suffer from haemorrhoids or who have severe haemorrhoids or who experience excessive bleeding, are advised to consult a doctor.

None.

Very rarely increased irritation and burning sensations may occur at the site of application. Rarely rashes may occur.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

It is very unlikely that overdosage would occur from this pharmaceutical form. Symptoms of lidocaine overdosage would be unlikely to occur even after anal insertion of 25g of ointment.

Normally there should be no systemic adverse effects, but at worst CNS and cardiovascular effects are possible. Treatment would be symptomatic after withdrawal of the product.

In the case of accidental oral ingestion, the advice of a doctor should be sought.

Zinc oxide has astringent, antiseptic, soothing and protectant properties.

Lidocaine hydrochloride has a local anaesthetic action.

The ointment base has lubricant and emollient properties.

The product has a local action with minimal risk of systemic effects. Lidocaine has a fast onset and intermediate duration of action. It is partially absorbed but plasma levels will be low, in view of the concentration of lidocaine in the product. It undergoes de-ethylation in the liver, where clearance approaches the rate of hepatic flow.

Preclinical safety data on these active ingredients in the literature have not revealed any pertinent and conclusive findings which are of relevance to the recommended dosage and use of the product.

None known.

Not applicable.