Description

ANOCREAM:
Composition:
Beclomethasone dipropionate 0.025%
Lidocaine 3.0%
Phenylephrine hydrochloride 0.1
Zinc Oxide 5.0%
Dosage form:
Ointment
ATC classification:
Vasoprotective
Description: 
Anocream ointment comprises of vasoprotective topical agents for treatment of haemorrhoids and anal fissures. It improves the symptoms of haemorrhoids (piles) and anal fissures. Beclomethasone dipropionate, the steroidal component of anocream reduces local perianal inflammation. Lidocaine, the anaesthetic component of anocream blocks all kinds of pain signals including the burning, itching, prickling pain associated with piles as well as any pain felt during the bowel movement. It effectively numbs the skin for the duration of its action. Phenylephrine, the vasoconstrictor reduces swelling and engorgement of haemorrhoids. Zinc oxide ameliorates the irritation and pruritis
Pharmacological action:
Beclomethasone dipropionate is a glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. It is a prodrug of the free form of beclomethasone which gets rapidly activated by hydrolysis when absorbed and induces production of lipocortin by binding to nuclear receptors. Lipocortins inhibit phospholipase A2, the enzyme involved in the release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes. Arachidonic acid is the precursor of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Thereby Beclomethasone acts by inhibiting the biosynthesis of the precursor of potent inflammatory mediators.
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic which acts by blocking the voltage gated sodium channels in the cell membranes of neurons. It hinders the transmission of signals between neurons by stopping the depolarization of the post synaptic neurons. It numbs the area where it is applied topically so as to provide a quick and effective pain relief.
Phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor having markedly vasopressor effect on the arterioles. It is used topically to promote hemostasis as it shrinks blood vessels in the affected area and decreases swelling.
Zinc oxide is mildly astringent and when used topically it exerts local and limited protein coagulant effect that temporarily protects irritated anorectal areas. It also acts as protectant barrier by keeping mucosa, stool and mucus which causes irritation, from directly contacting the perianal skin.
Indications:
Anocream is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory manifestations of internal and external haemorrhoids
It is indicated for anal fissures and also in pregnancy-induced haemorrhoids.
Indicated as an adjuvant in the management of varicose veins
Dosage:
¬ Use 3 to 4 times daily, and always at night and in the morning or as prescribed by the physician.
Directions for use:
For external use:
¬ Squeeze the tube of anocream and apply a small amount to your finger and apply it around the outside of your anus with your finger.
¬ Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap after each application of haemorrhoid cream.
For internal use
For internal use
If applying haemorrhoid cream to the exterior of your anus does not provide relief, you may want to apply haemorrhoid cream internally to further reduce swelling and discomfort caused by swollen hemorrhoidal tissues.
¬ Try to have a bowel movement before an internal application of anocream
¬ Attach the applicator with a rounded tip to the tube and squeeze it gently to fill the applicator with anocream
¬ Lubricate the end of the applicator with petroleum jelly or other safe lubricant and gently insert the applicator into your rectum and squeeze the tube of hemorrhoid cream gently to move the cream in the applicator into the rectum.
¬ Remove the applicator and wash with soap and warm water, and wash your hands.
¬ Try not to have a bowel movement for a couple hours after an internal application of anocream.
Contraindications:
¬ Anocream is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients present in it.
¬ Check with your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

Large Open Wound
Overactive thyroid gland
High blood pressure
Disease of the Arteries of the Heart
Abnormal Heart Rhythm,
Enlarged Prostate

Side effects:
Following are the infrequent side effects: Hives, rash, redness of skin, itching and stinging of skin.
If side effects persist then discontinue use and consult physician.
Warnings and Precautions:
General warning:
¬ Anocream improves local symptoms but does not treat the underlying disorder
¬ Long term use of corticosteroid containing creams can cause permanent damage and thinning of the perianal skin.
¬ Long term use of Phenylephrine containing creams or ointments may cause local irritation of skin.
Drug Interactions:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other beclomethasone, lidocaine or phenylephrine containing products at the same time as this medication.
Pregnancy and lactation:
Inform the doctor before use of anocream in pregnancy and lactation.
 
References:
Compound summary for Beclomethasone dipropionate
Compound summary for Phenylephrine
Compound summary for Lidocaine
Compound summary for Zinc oxide
Hemorrhoids: From basic pathophysiology to clinical management
 
Disclaimer:

• Information provided above is for reference purpose only and has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners. Please consult your physician to understand how the product affects you, its dosages, side-effects and further information.
• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indications prescribed by your physician.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Pharma Synth Formulations Ltd. (‘PSFL’) is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. PSFL does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy and is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. PSFL does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.