HYDROCORTISONE
Place in Therapy
Place in therapy
Topical corticosteroids (hydrocortisone 0.5%) can be used for short-term relief of acute hemorrhoidal symptoms, including itching, redness, and swelling. However, there are no clinical trials or evidence in the literature to support their efficacy. Additionally, use of topical hydrocortisone has not been shown to be associated with a reduction in swelling, bleeding or prolapse in patients.
Despite the lack of supporting evidence for the efficacy of hydrocortisone, their use has become omnipresent among patients. Short-term use of hydrocortisone can be considered safe, but patients must avoid using this agent for longer than 7 days due its deleterious effect on the perianal area. Common side effects associated with hydrocortisone include mucosal atrophy (consistent with long-term use), dryness, burning, and local irritation.
References
1. Carruthers-Czyzewski P. Hemorrhoids. In Patient Self-Care 2nd ed. 2010. (pp.333-340). Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association.
2. Madoff RD, Fleshman JW. American Gastroenterological Association technical review on the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids. Gastroenterology 2004; 126(5):1463-73.
3. Kaidar-Person O, Person B, Wexner SD. Hemorrhoidal disease: A comprehensive review. J Am Coll Surg 2007;204(1):102-17.
4. Johanson JF. Nonsurgical treatment of hemorrhoids. J Gastrointest Surg. 2002;6(3):290-4.
5. Sokol TP. Hemorrhoids (2010). Accessed July 5, 2012 at: http://www.medicinenet.com/hemorrhoids/article.htm
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Topical corticosteroids (hydrocortisone 0.5%) can be used for short-term relief of acute hemorrhoidal symptoms, including itching, redness, and swelling. However, there are no clinical trials or evidence in the literature to support their efficacy. Additionally, use of topical hydrocortisone has not been shown to be associated with a reduction in swelling, bleeding or prolapse in patients.
Despite the lack of supporting evidence for the efficacy of hydrocortisone, their use has become omnipresent among patients. Short-term use of hydrocortisone can be considered safe, but patients must avoid using this agent for longer than 7 days due its deleterious effect on the perianal area. Common side effects associated with hydrocortisone include mucosal atrophy (consistent with long-term use), dryness, burning, and local irritation.
References
1. Carruthers-Czyzewski P. Hemorrhoids. In Patient Self-Care 2nd ed. 2010. (pp.333-340). Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association.
2. Madoff RD, Fleshman JW. American Gastroenterological Association technical review on the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhoids. Gastroenterology 2004; 126(5):1463-73.
3. Kaidar-Person O, Person B, Wexner SD. Hemorrhoidal disease: A comprehensive review. J Am Coll Surg 2007;204(1):102-17.
4. Johanson JF. Nonsurgical treatment of hemorrhoids. J Gastrointest Surg. 2002;6(3):290-4.
5. Sokol TP. Hemorrhoids (2010). Accessed July 5, 2012 at: http://www.medicinenet.com/hemorrhoids/article.htm
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