Type of medicine | Examples | Notes |
Stool softener | Docusate sodium (sample brand names: Colace, Docu, Stool Softener) | Softens bowel movements. Helps avoid straining while sitting on toilet. |
Bulk-forming laxatives and fiber supplements | Methylcellulose (sample brand names: Citrucel, Soluble Fiber Therapy) Polycarbophil (sample brand names: FiberCon, Konsyl Fiber) Psyllium (sample brand names: Metamucil, Konsyl) Wheat dextrin (sample brand name: Benefiber) | Prevent hard dry stools, which make hemorrhoids worse. Might reduce bleeding and other hemorrhoid symptoms. Needs to be taken with plenty of water (8 glasses of water a day). Your doctor might suggest starting with a small dose and then increasing over time. |
Pain relief | Pramoxine rectal foam, ointment, or wipes (sample brand names: Proctofoam, Pramox) | Can help with pain and itching. Area must be gently cleaned and allowed to dry before using. |
Medicines to dry or protect skin | Witch hazel (sample brand names: Tucks, Preparation H pads, Preparation H wipes) Zinc oxide topical paste (sample brand names: Boudreaux's Butt Paste, Desitin) | Might dry or tighten skin around the anus. Zinc oxide also protects skin from irritation. Area must be gently cleaned and allowed to dry before using. Can apply after a sitz bath (soaking in warm, shallow water). Witch hazel wipes or unscented baby wipes can be used to clean the anus after a bowel movement. |
Steroid cream | Hydrocortisone rectal cream (sample brand name: Preparation H hydrocortisone) | Reduces swelling and pain caused by hemorrhoids. Do not use for longer than 1 week. Do not use at all if you are pregnant, unless your doctor or nurse tells you to. |
Medicines to shrink hemorrhoids | Phenylephrine ointment or suppository (sample brand names: Preparation H, Rectacaine) | Phenylephrine shrinks swollen hemorrhoids, and relieves itching and discomfort for a few hours. Area must be gently cleaned and allowed to dry before using. |
Numbing ointments | Benzocaine rectal ointment (sample brand name: Americaine) Dibucaine rectal ointment (sample brand name: Nupercainal) Lidocaine rectal cream (sample brand name: RectiCare) | Benzocaine, dibucaine, and lidocaine can help with pain and itching, but should not be used without talking to a doctor first. They should only be used once in a while, in small amounts. |